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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-02-07 Daily Xml
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FAMILIES SA

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (15:07): I seek leave to ask the minister representing the Minister for Education and Child Development a question about Families SA.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: I was made aware of a situation where a young girl alleged interference by an adult whilst she was under the care of the minister. It was actually the son of a foster carer who sexually abused her at the age of 12. As a result, this young girl had two children to this person before she was aged 15 years. This young girl made numerous complaints and admissions to workers of Families SA. She ran away from the home and was placed back with the home after the birth of her second child and the abuse continued.

I have contacted the police. This young girl was seeking a DNA test to prove that this person was the father of her children so that she could press charges for sexual abuse. After speaking with her and contacting the police, we received a phone call from the police on 3 January, after following this through since November last year, saying that this matter was being made a ministerial matter.

I wrote to the police and asked why this was not being pursued as a criminal investigation for child sexual abuse and received no letter. I was told that I would be receiving a letter from the minister's office, which has not arrived as yet. My questions to the minister are:

1. In what cases would serious criminal allegations of sexual abuse about a child not be investigated by the police but rather made a matter for the minister?

2. When allegations are made to Families SA workers, what processes and protocols are suppose to be followed to ensure that the perpetrator is investigated and taken to trial if charged?

3. Medical staff are mandatorily required to report such occurrences: what disciplinary action do they face if they do not make a mandatory report, given that a 12-year old girl has given birth to a child while under the care of the minister?

4. Is it possible for a matter to be investigated by the police with ministerial oversight and, if so, why?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for her most important questions. I undertake to take the questions on a matter relating to Families SA to the minister in the other place and seek a response on her behalf.

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