Screening Checks

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:32): I appreciate the supplementary, Mr President, given the minister hasn't answered my first question.

The PRESIDENT: It is just a question only.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Yes, thank you. What is the minister doing to deal with the 100,000 people who her chief executive says may need a screening but don't have one? If her answer is nothing, based on her previous answer, can she guarantee there are not people working with children, or with other vulnerable people, who have not been screened?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:32): There are a range of ways in which organisations are reminded of their obligations to ensure that if they are required by law to have a valid screening, those take place. Certainly, with any of our contracted partners those are often through agreements.

There are a range of organisations in South Australia which, of course, are not regulated by us, and this is something I have had to try to explain in relation to disability services, which are now funded and regulated by the commonwealth government. They have their own systems in place. It has always been the case since screening has existed in South Australia that the organisations that are responsible for ensuring that people are screened are the organisations themselves. There are new obligations on individuals regarding working with children checks.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I think what the Labor Party is suggesting is that we need to knock on the door of every person in South Australia, audit their activities, and then determine whether they need a screening check. It is just absurd, Mr President.

An honourable member interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! A further supplementary, deputy leader.