House of Assembly Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2) 54 2 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Ministerial Statement Ministerial Statement Online Predatory Behaviour Online Predatory Behaviour The Hon. R. SANDERSON House of Assembly Adelaide Minister for Child Protection The Hon. R. SANDERSON (Adelaide—Minister for Child Protection) (14:00): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement. Leave granted. The Hon. R. SANDERSON House of Assembly The Hon. R. SANDERSON: Yesterday, I was asked about the timing of who knew about the 13-year-old girl being a victim of a predator and, in particular, when the Chief Executive of Child Protection, my office or myself became aware. These questions were and are distasteful and insensitive. When the chief executive or I knew about this incident is irrelevant to ensuring adequate care and support was provided to this young girl. I thank the frontline social workers and all who supported and cared for this girl during this difficult time. Once I learned the young person's name, I was able to instruct my office to search any records relating to her case. No records exist or were ever received. My office has also conducted a search for general terms relating to this matter. In May, I received general correspondence regarding unlawful sexual intercourse with minors and associated criminal penalties. The focus of this correspondence was the criminal penalties associated with offending of this nature. A reference was made to more than one young person, one of whom was in guardianship. It did not refer to a failure of care or identify the specific circumstances. This matter was appropriately referred to the Attorney-General's office, and I am advised that the Attorney responded. I reiterate: at no stage was any concern raised with me about the care provided to this girl. I further repeat: my staff and I were made aware of the specific circumstances last week following the sentencing of this offender.