CAVAN TRAINING CENTRE

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:31): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion a question about the Cavan escape.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: Yesterday, the Hon. Michelle Lensink asked the minister to provide details of the nature of the offences committed by the eight escapees and, in particular, the individual who is still at large. In refusing to provide any information, the minister claimed that under the Young Offenders Act he should not be talking about the young people involved, nor about the offences they committed and for which they were tried. I ask the minister:

1. Can the minister identify which particular section of the act prevents identification of a young person in these circumstances?

2. If the minister considers that such a ban is in place, what action is the minister taking to investigate possible breaches of the act by The Advertiser which, in the last two days, has published the names of five offenders and described in detail what they were wearing?

3. If the minister considers that such a ban is in place, what action is the minister taking to investigate possible breaches of the act by SA Police who, over the last three days, have published the names and photographs of three of the offenders on their website, including details of alleged offences committed while they were at large?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:32): In response to the honourable member's questions, I can advise that it is my belief that section 63C, I think it is, of the Young Offenders Act pertains in this regard.

In response to his other questions, I am not aware that The Advertiser, or anyone else, has committed any direct breach of that provision. It is my understanding, and I might be corrected, that The Advertiser has spoken in generalities and has not identified individuals, and any—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: It hasn't identified any individuals, Mr President, or identified—

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Thank you, sir—any court proceedings that might relate to those individuals. As I understand it, it hasn't identified individuals by name. SA Police has names and photographs on its website but I do not believe any of those instances actually identify any of the issues that would go to section 63C.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Wade has a supplementary.