Yatala Labour Prison Incident

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (15:00): Supplementary question to the Premier: based on that answer, has the Premier asked the police commissioner, the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services, and the Coroner to share as much information as appropriate as soon as possible with the family of Mr Morrison?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (15:00): I would expect that the police commissioner and the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services will, in the ordinary course, share the relevant information with each of those authorities. But I do understand that the police commissioner is devoting significant resources to the investigation of this matter and did that at an early stage of the investigation.

I understand that the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services immediately established a facility which was for the collection of data and the appropriate sharing of data with the relevant authorities. If the Coroner has any particular requests that he wishes to make of either the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services, or the police commissioner, I would expect that he would make known those requests and—

Mr van Holst Pellekaan: What about Mr Morrison's family?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: That's a different question. If you would like, after I have finished this question—

Members interjecting:

Mr van Holst Pellekaan: I can reread it.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Well, perhaps you could.

The SPEAKER: The member for Stuart.

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: So, rereading the supplementary question: has the Premier asked the police commissioner, the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services and the Coroner, to share as much information as appropriate as soon as possible with Mr Morrison's family? The Hansard will confirm that.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Sorry, I did misunderstand that question. I thought your question was sharing it with the Coroner; I misunderstood that. No, I haven't asked that question but, as a matter of course I think the information should be shared with Mr Morrison's family if it is appropriate. I will certainly make those inquiries.

I know that I have certainly asked the Minister for Correctional Services to reach out to the family and to understand their needs. He has been communicated with by the family to suggest that it's too early for that direct communication at this point. We are respecting their wishes to grieve. That, of course, is understandable and appropriate.

I do understand that the Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services has reached out to the family. I don't know whether that's directly, or through appropriate liaison officers, but I know that that communication has happened, and I expect that any requests would come through that medium. If information is appropriate to be shared, I am sure it will be shared at the earliest possible opportunity.