Smith, Ms A.M.

Ms COOK (Hurtle Vale) (14:40): My question is to the Attorney-General. When was the Attorney first advised of Ann Marie Smith's death?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:41): I think that is now a matter of record for the information that was presented to the committee last week, and that is that members of government, including myself, were aware of this after the announcement by the police officers that there was to be an upgrade to a major crime investigation. Other than the police minister, who of course as a matter of process—this is the agency charged with the matter—receives short notice, but notice nonetheless, of that particular case.

Subsequent to that day, I received and noted the evidence that we had of the Office of the Public Advocate because her office had received an inquiry from a paramedic, as is now well known, and she set out the process which she undertook to make sure that they understood the need to refer the matter to SA Health and also to the police. My understanding is that that then went within days to the public protection unit of the police.