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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-06-16 Daily Xml
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Aboriginal Visitors Scheme

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:17): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing on the topic of COVID restrictions and access to the Aboriginal Visitors Scheme through the ALRM.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: The ALRM runs a service called the Aboriginal Visitors Scheme. Through this scheme, which is an after-hours service, the AVS can report on any issues of concern, need for medical attention, welfare or other services and bring those to the attention of police where somebody is Aboriginal and held in custody in this state. Overnight, members would probably be well aware, and I hope the minister is, that a video emerged of a 28-year-old Aboriginal man being arrested in Kilburn, pinned down, seemingly subjected to violence, and certainly held in custody in the Port Adelaide Police Station.

Further reports have been made that, due to the COVID-19 restrictions being cited by the officers at that police station, access was denied not only to members of the public to seek and check on the welfare of this man but the Aboriginal Visitors Scheme of the ALRM. Can the Minister for Health and Wellbeing tell me whether or not there are any restrictions on the Aboriginal Visitors Scheme or the services of the ALRM to Aboriginal people in custody in this state?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:18): I thank the honourable member for her question. I have viewed the video and understand the concerns that it has raised. I am advised that SA Police are undertaking a thorough investigation which will include not just the events of the night but also of the morning following. I will ensure that the particular concerns of the honourable member are referred to SA Police.

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