House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-06-07 Daily Xml

Contents

Ministerial Statement

Child Protection

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform, Minister for the Public Sector, Minister for Consumer and Business Services, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:05): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: On Monday 30 May, South Australian police attended at a property at Hillier and tragically found the bodies of Ms Rigney-Wilson and two of her children. It is understood that her partner has been charged with their murders. It is has been widely reported that Families SA had some involvement with this family before their deaths. It has been demanded by some that the government provide a report to parliament regarding Families SA's involvement with this family. It is important to remember that the alleged murder of this young family is currently the subject of an ongoing police investigation and charges which are before the courts.

It is imperative that the investigation and any subsequent trial are not prejudiced by inappropriate commentary. The full facts will need to be ascertained, including any involvement the family had with Families SA. It is not appropriate that these matters be aired at this point in time. For these reasons, I do not propose to make any further comment relating to this matter at least until investigations are complete. I offer my condolences on behalf of the government to the family and friends of Ms Rigney-Wilson, Amber and Kory.