Adelaide Remand Centre

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:58): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking questions of the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services regarding prison policies and procedures.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: Just recently it was reported that only a few weeks ago a young female guard had been violently sexually assaulted at the Adelaide Remand Centre. The victim alleged that a prisoner used a makeshift knife hidden in his clothing to threaten her if she told anyone, or that he would hurt her family if she pressed the duress alarm during the incident.

The woman claims that, after reporting the incident, I think surprisingly, she was asked to return to work the very next day, despite the fact that she suffered bruising and was obviously traumatised by such a significant and awful event. Despite these circumstances, the Adelaide Remand Centre spokesperson stated publicly:

We take seriously any reported incident involving an alleged assault on one of our officers...The wellbeing and safety of our staff remain our priority, and the officer involved is currently receiving the care and support they need.

My questions to the minister are:

1. When was the minister made aware of this incident? Did she investigate the victim's claim that she was asked to return to her duties the very next day after being subjected to such a violent sexual assault and, if so, what is her view on that situation?

2. In light of the spokesperson's comment that the wellbeing and safety of the staff remain a priority at the Adelaide Remand Centre, does the minister concede that this should not include requesting victims of assault to return the very next day to work after an attempted rape?

3. Is the minister aware of any other cases of sexual assault against prison staff at either the Remand Centre or elsewhere in the last 12 months?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:59): I thank the member for his question and, rightfully, his concern regarding this issue. As I have mentioned many times in this chamber before, safety is of paramount importance to not only our correctional facilities but the staff members and anyone within those facilities, and hearing stories like this is unacceptable.

I have been advised that following the assaults at the Adelaide Remand Centre, the private operator, Serco, reported the matter to SAPOL. I have further been advised that the staff member in question is receiving appropriate supports from Serco, and I have been advised that, since the incident, the prisoner in question has been charged by SAPOL, who are now investigating. I have been further advised that the staff member has been notified that charges have been laid.