WHITE RIBBON DAY

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about violence against women.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: Adelaide's White Ribbon Day has a focus on human trafficking. I ask the minister: what is the government doing to deal with or prevent human trafficking in the South Australian sex work industry?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for his important question. The issue of human trafficking is not a responsibility within my portfolio. Obviously, it is an area that I am interested in but it is outside my purview. I continue to work with other ministers and the federal government wherever possible to encourage them to look at strategies for reducing this phenomenon.

I understand, from the reports that I have heard, that here in South Australia we have been incredibly fortunate. In fact, the incidence of human trafficking, particularly in the sex trade here in South Australia, is not a common occurrence. I understand that it is more prevalent in cities like Sydney. We are very fortunate here that it is not a significant problem and we need to make sure that it stays that way.