Personal Explanation

Member for Hurtle Vale, Staff Member

Ms COOK (Hurtle Vale) (15:32): I seek leave to make a personal statement.

Leave granted.

Ms COOK: Yesterday afternoon, I was advised by the South Australian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (SA JACET) that one of my staff members was charged with child abuse related offences. I was shocked when learning of these charges. Naturally, my office has fully cooperated with the Australian Federal Police and South Australia Police investigation and will continue to do so.

As soon as I was made aware of these charges, I took immediate action and advised the Department of Treasury and Finance and requested that his employment be immediately terminated and that access to buildings and IT be blocked. I also advised the Labor Party, who I understand have held an emergency state executive meeting this morning and expelled this person as a member. As the matter is now before the court, I am unable to make any further comment.