BURNSIDE COUNCIL

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:24): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development, representing the Minister for Police, questions regarding the investigation into the former Burnside council.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I understand that in September 2010 persons named in the draft MacPherson report into the Burnside council were given a copy, or an extract, of the draft report in order to allow those named to provide a response before the natural justice period expired. On 11 September 2010 The Advertiser reported that the draft report 'outlines an inadequacy in South Australia Police systems which made it difficult for investigators to access the email accounts of its members'. The Advertiser further reported that Mr MacPherson said:

The lack of transparency and accountability within the SAPOL email system has hampered the investigation, and, in my opinion is cause for serious concern.

I understand that, in these circumstances, an extract of the draft report would be forwarded to the Commissioner of Police for his consideration and to provide an opportunity to respond during the natural justice period. My questions are:

1. Given the comments made about SAPOL, can the minister advise whether the Commissioner of Police was provided with an extract of the draft report?

2. If so, can the minister advise whether the commissioner acted upon any of the information contained in the extract of the draft report?

3. Further, if the commissioner did receive an extract of the draft report, can the minister advise what prompted the commissioner to request a copy of the full draft report from the Minister for State/Local Government Relations in July 2011?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:26): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I will refer them to the Minister for Police in another place and bring back a response.