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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-11-14 Daily Xml
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Child Protection

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:38): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Human Services, representing the Minister for Child Protection, a question in relation to a child abduction matter while in state care.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: Last month, two young brothers aged three and six years old, in state care, were allegedly abducted by their mother during a supervised access visit and taken interstate. It is alleged the boys, who are biological brothers but live separately, were taken by their biological mother in Murray Bridge during what was supposed to be an access visit supervised by child protection workers at a departmental office. Fortunately for all concerned, the children were found safe and well in the company of their parents the following day, interstate. My questions to the minister are:

1. Can the minister provide an update as to the investigation into the matter, committed to by the minister at the time?

2. Will the minister undertake to provide this council with a copy of any findings in relation to the matter?

3. Can the minister confirm what if any actions have already been taken regarding the incident and in terms of ensuring that it is not repeated again?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for her questions. On behalf of the minister in another place, I will take them on notice. I should point out that the child protection legislation, similar to the mental health legislation, contains certain provisions which prevent disclosure of certain matters to those who are involved in the administration of those acts, so my understanding is that that will constrain somewhat the response. But I will endeavour to get as much information to the honourable member as possible and bring it back to this place.

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