Coronial Inquest

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (20:32): I move:

That this council calls on the Attorney-General to order, pursuant to section 21(1)(b) of the Coroners Act, a coronial inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Stefan Woodward and provide appropriate and adequate resources as required by the Coroner to carry out the inquest.

On Saturday 5 December, 19-year-old Stefan Woodward sadly passed away after allegedly consuming illicit substances at the Stereosonic music festival. This is a tragic event which unfortunately is occurring more often. Our kids are gambling with their lives and are increasingly losing. No parent should have to worry about whether they will see their child again if they head out the door to see live music. No sibling should have to grow up without their brother or sister because they died after experimenting with drugs.

An investigation is needed to examine the circumstances surrounding Stefan's death so that we can see what can be done to prevent this from happening to another family. The Attorney-General has declined to intervene thus far; however, this is a matter of great public interest and it is imperative that it is investigated properly. Not only is it of public interest but it is vitally important to know how and why Mr Woodward died. I must stress that the Attorney-General has explicit powers to direct the coroner to hold an inquest and that the current Attorney-General, Hon. John Rau, has declined to use these powers in the past despite repeated requests from the family.

An inquest is needed to look at the role of the organisers, security, police and to answer the many questions surrounding Mr Woodward's death. I understand that SAPOL tweeted a picture of what was suspected to be a bad batch of ecstasy pills on Saturday. Were SAPOL or the organisers aware of these pills before the event? Was this communicated to patrons? Was there any collaboration between these two parties on these matters?

What information was provided to patrons with regard to seeking medical attention? What services were available to those attending? Where were they located at the venue? Was there an adequate number of medical staff and first aiders on site? The community has a certain expectation as to the way these events are run, and we cannot continue to lose our young people, our kids, because of any mismanagement.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. A.L. McLachlan.