Canine Court Companion

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:47): My question is to the Attorney-General. In light of International Guide Dog Day last Wednesday, will the Attorney inform the chamber about the work of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions' canine court companion, who is called Zeb?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:47): This I happily do have responsibility for in relation to being part of the DPP. It is pleasing to note that each year on 24 April International Guide Dog Day is celebrated to honour and increase awareness around the invaluable role guide dog services play in our society. For more than 65 years, Guide Dogs SA/NT has provided services to empower South Australians with low vision, blindness and other specialised support needs, promoting independence, participation, inclusion and wellbeing. Guide Dogs SA/NT has helped many in our country to live a normal life, something most of us take for granted.

For the past two years, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has had the service of Zeb, a four-year-old labrador, to provide support to children and vulnerable adults who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. Zeb is currently the only canine in South Australia to have the accreditation required to perform these duties. At around 12 months old, Zeb was identified as a potentially suitable candidate for the role of canine court companion due to his gentle and calm demeanour.

Zeb was trained specifically by Guide Dogs SA/NT trainers to sit and provide company, comfort and a sense of calm to victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system, particularly children, who may become anxious or distressed in their encounters with the courts and the justice system. Zeb took up the important role in 2022 after his predecessor, Zero, South Australia's inaugural canine court companion, sadly passed away. Zeb certainly had big paws to fill following on from the success of Zero—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Ta, you're welcome—Zeb had big paws to fill, as I was saying, following on from the success of Zero in his role in the courtroom. In two short years, Zeb has provided valuable service to the courts and he has shown he is perfect for the role. Zeb is trained to bow, play hide-and-seek with his toy as an icebreaker and to lie quietly when required. Victims have commented that his presence is 'worth its weight in gold' due to his ability to support them in managing their stress and anxiety, enabling a sense of calmness in what can be quite challenging stressful and emotional situations, particularly giving evidence in criminal trials.

I want to particularly thank Guide Dogs SA/NT for their continued hard work ensuring South Australians can reach their fullest potential no matter the adversities they may face on a day-to-day basis, and also thank you to Zeb and his primary handler, Melissa, for the work that they do in providing such valuable support, especially to children and vulnerable adults in daunting situations navigating the criminal justice system.