SWIMMING POOL INSPECTIONS

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:04): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations a question regarding swimming pool inspections.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: In 2011-12, 38 per cent of the 21 children between the ages of naught and four years who unfortunately drowned were in swimming pools. Despite continued advertising campaigns about the importance of maintenance and inspections, drowning in family pools continues. The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia recommended restricting access to water by correctly installed and maintained pool fencing and introducing uniform pool fencing legislation.

It was reported in The Advertiser on 22 September that Royal Life Saving SA has asked the state Coroner to recommend legislative changes to implement mandatory inspections which would require pool owners to get their pools inspected every three years. The Royal Life Saving Society has suggested outsourcing the inspections and has offered to assist at a capped price of $55. My question for the minister is: has he sought an update from the Royal Life Saving Society about this proposal, and is it likely that legislation will be brought to the parliament to enact this?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:05): I thank the member for her question. I will take it on notice and ensure that the appropriate minister—I do not know if that really comes under my domain—whether it is the Attorney-General, consumer affairs or whoever, gets a response in as soon as possible.