Raymond, Ms J.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:23): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Police on the subject of the failed prosecution of Jemima Raymond on the grounds of alleged assault.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Jemima Raymond was a teacher at Errington Special Education Centre and the case which was recently dismissed against her was described by the magistrate as 'one of the most unmeritorious prosecutions' she had ever seen in the 25 years of doing her job. My questions for the minister are:

1. Is this case and this failed prosecution being reviewed and, if so, who is undertaking that review?

2. Why was the prosecution pursued?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:24): I thank the honourable member for her questions. I am able to confirm that, on 18 December 2015, SA police advised the Department for Education and Child Development of their investigation in relation to Ms Jemima Raymond, regarding an alleged assault of a student.

On 3 February last year, SAPOL arrested and charged Ms Raymond with recklessly cause harm to another, aggravated offence. A trial commenced on 20 September 2016 and on 6 March this year the matter was dismissed and Ms Raymond was not committed. I can confirm that the department is conducting a review into the matter and we will await the outcome of the review in due course.