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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-02-06 Daily Xml
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Schoolgirl Assault

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:56): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Treasurer, representing the Minister for Education in another place, a question about the recent assault of a schoolgirl.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: I think we were all shocked, horrified and saddened to hear about the totally unprovoked and unacceptable attack on a 13-year-old schoolgirl at a suburban shopping centre earlier this week by two female students aged 14 and 15, who were known to the victim and go to the same school. The year 8 student, who is known as Maddy, sustained horrific injuries in the bashing, including losing her front teeth, concussion and spinal damage. She required emergency surgery in the hours after the attack and was discharged from the Women's and Children's Hospital yesterday. That said, doctors believe she will need further dental reconstructive work and other work, which will take at least 12 months to recover from, not to mention the mental torment she will experience from the attack.

Police have, according to media reports, arrested and charged the two alleged culprits, who are due to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court at a later date. But, adding fuel to the fire, it is being reported today that one of the alleged offenders took to social media overnight to live stream, crudely threatening a more vicious attack on Maddy the next time their paths cross. I watched that live stream, so I can verify that that does exist on social media. My questions to the minister are:

1. What actions, if any, has the minister taken in relation to the incident?

2. Has contact been made with Maddy's family?

3. What systems will be put in place at Maddy's school to ensure her ongoing safety and security should she decide to return to the same school?

4. If she does decide to return to the same school, will the alleged culprits be banned from attending, will they be expelled or will they be suspended?

5. What disciplinary action has been taken by the school against the two alleged offenders? For instance, have they been banned or expelled?

6. Will the government consider paying for Maddy's ongoing medical costs, given the extent of her injuries?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:58): I am happy to refer the honourable member's questions to the minister, but can I say that I have every confidence the Minister for Education, in his normally efficient and proficient way, is well aware of all the issues and concerns that the community would feel in relation to this particular incident. On my understanding, he will be addressing most, if not all, of the issues to which the honourable member has referred. Nevertheless, I will refer the honourable member's questions to the minister and bring back a reply.

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