Canine Court Companion

Ms LUETHEN (King) (14:25): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney-General update the house on the DPP's newest victim and witness support measure?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:25): With pleasure, and I thank the member for King—

Mr Odenwalder interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Elizabeth is called to order.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —for this important interest that she has in this matter.

The Hon. S.C. Mullighan interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Lee is called to order.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: As we all know, any person's contact with the criminal justice system will probably be one of the most stressful times of one's life. The courts and the Office of the DPP recognise this also. That is why we have commenced an innovative program, formally known as the Canine Court Companion, since April this year. The Canine Court Companion is, in South Australia's case, an adorable black labrador called Zero. He lives with us in the Attorney-General's building.

He was originally trained as a guide dog, but so empathetic was he that he was deemed too sensitive to graduate and instead was trained as a therapy dog by Guide Dogs SA/NT. Zero's positive influence on anxious and vulnerable witnesses can already be seen. I have had glowing reports of how he settles anxious witnesses prior to them going to court. Since his commencement, Zero has now completed 30 appointments with vulnerable victims—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Szakacs interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Cheltenham is called to order.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —who have been prosecution witnesses, including the victims of child sexual offending and domestic violence and people with intellectual disabilities. Zero is helping to break down the apprehension and anxiety that many of these victims can face when entering the Office of the DPP for the first time. It enables staff to build rapport with victims and the victims to settle more quickly, being comforted by Zero's presence.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: I have read a testimonial from a mother, whose daughter has a disability, who wrote of her daughter's great anxiety prior to the first meeting, at which Zero was not present. Following that meeting, she writes of her daughter's inability to sleep or eat for several days. Her reception, however, at the second meeting was quite different. She was engaged throughout and was fine following the meeting; indeed, she was chatty. Having Zero present changed her entire perspective of her interaction with the process and alleviated stress and disquiet.

I commend the Director of Public Prosecutions' office for implementing this important and innovative program, which has already demonstrated results for the benefit of witnesses and victims. Zero is AGD's newest best employee.