Taskforce Protect

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:01): My question is to the Minister for Police. What is delaying the final report of Taskforce Protect, what matters has it investigated and does its remit extend to considering whether any persons other than the person of interest have contravened any legislation or committed any offence? With your leave, sir, and that of the house I will explain.

Leave granted.

Ms BEDFORD: Taskforce Protect we are told consists of 20 seconded police officers and was announced on Friday 20 November. At that time, Assistant Commissioner Peter Harvey indicated he would keep the public up to date and the task force would likely report by Friday 30 November. At his initial media conference, the assistant commissioner indicated the task force would investigate, and I quote, 'any alleged criminal actions by any person'. However, it is unclear if the scope of the inquiry will encompass any potential breaches of the law by public officials.

This morning on radio, the police commissioner indicated a further update was imminent, but we have not heard anything further at this stage today. That means the report would be five days later than it was first announced.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (15:02): I thank the member for Florey for her question; she is quite right. This task force, Taskforce Protect, was set up by South Australia Police in response to the issues surrounding information that was provided to contact tracers as part of the Parafield cluster. It has been well resourced and is being led by Assistant Commissioner Peter Harvey. Our police commissioner, Grant Stevens, who is also the State Coordinator during this major emergency declaration, announced earlier today that Assistant Commissioner Peter Harvey will be providing a statement later this afternoon.