Smith, Ms A.M.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (15:08): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding the safety of vulnerable adults. When was the minister or his office first informed of the death of Ann Marie Smith and by whom? Did any or all of the Adult Safeguarding Unit, the SA Ambulance Service, the Central Adelaide Local Health Network or the Health and Community Services Complaints Commission notify the minister or his office of the sad Ann Marie Smith case? Would the minister expect that the Adult Safeguarding Unit would have notified him of the death of Ann Marie Smith, given its legislative powers to notify the minister of any suspected systemic issues?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:09): I was first made aware of the death of Ann Marie Smith on the afternoon of, I think, Friday 15 May. I was present at a press conference primarily in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was also an opportunity where the commissioner referred, I think, to an earlier press conference by a chief superintendent where the death was declared a major crime. Subsequently, I received a brief on the matter from the Ambulance Service as they were involved in the care for Ann Marie Smith, and also I received advice from the Adult Safeguarding Unit.

In terms of the Adult Safeguarding Unit, I think it's important to stress that under the legislation the Adult Safeguarding Unit is not responsible for people under the age of 65 at this stage. The Adult Safeguarding Unit was contacted by the Office of the Public Advocate in a phone meeting on 9 April 2020. The Office of the Public Advocate did mention a significant care concern for a person with a disability but the ASU was not given names or details.

The ASU does not have a legislative remit for a case under the age of 65. The ASU was comfortable that the Office of the Public Advocate was appropriately dealing with the matter. In particular, the Office of the Public Advocate indicated the situation was serious enough to warrant the APA making a report to SAPOL, which is what they did.