Child Protection

In reply to Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (7 May 2015).

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for the Public Sector): I have been advised:

1. On 16 July 2015, the royal commission was granted an extension to report on or before 31 May 2016.

2. In 2002-03, Robyn Layton QC undertook a major review of child protection in South Australia, recommending a Commissioner for Children and Young People.

In response to the Layton report, the South Australian government established three separate mechanisms for advocacy, review and monitoring of children's interests: the Guardian for Children and Young People; the Council for the Care of Children; and the Child Death and Serious Injury Review Committee.

In addition, the Child Development and Wellbeing Bill 2014 was introduced into Parliament by then Minister for Education and Child Development, the Hon Jennifer Rankine MP, on 19 June 2014.

The bill was debated in the House of Assembly on 16 and 25 September 2014 and passed with one amendment. The bill was introduced into the Legislative Council on 14 October 2014.

Until the outcome of the Child Protection Systems Royal Commission is known the bill will not be progressed.