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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-06-04 Daily Xml
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EASLING, MR T.

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (14:50): My question is to the Minister for Families and Communities. Why did the government prevent young people, who were under the guardianship of the minister and who had been fostered by Tom Easling, from voluntarily giving statements in support of Easling? During the Easling investigation and trial young people who had been fostered by Mr Easling and who were under the guardianship of the minister wished to voluntarily give statements in support of Easling. The government refused them permission to do so.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Northern Suburbs, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability) (14:50): As we know, the member for Davenport is very keen to have an inquiry into the issues surrounding the Tom Easling affair, the court case and investigation. The member has asked a number of questions in this house, over a period of time, and he creates perceptions that do not necessarily—

Ms Chapman: He just wants answers.

The SPEAKER: Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition!

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: What he has asked for is an inquiry, and I understand that is with the Crown Solicitor.

Ms CHAPMAN: Point of order, Mr Speaker: the minister is misleading the house. The question was not about an inquiry but—

The SPEAKER: Order! The Deputy Leader of the Opposition—

Ms CHAPMAN: —was why did he not let these children speak?

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader will take her seat. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will not make allegations of that nature by means of a point of order. The Minister for Families and Communities.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: I am sure that the Crown Solicitor is looking very carefully at the issues around the Easling case. If anything has been done that is untoward or improper I am sure he will give that advice to the Attorney-General.

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