Mr MILLS - 2007-10-11
Yesterday, you took a hands-off approach to the alleged victims in the Collins affair by saying that it is a matter for the proper departments to handle. That is in stark contrast to Wednesday 9 February 2005, when you picked up the phone and called the Police Commissioner about Mr Collins. You initiated that call in response to a rumour that you had heard that Mr Collins was about to be charged with child sex offences. Why did you take such an active role to find out about your friend and mentor who was about to be charged with child sex offences? If you were prepared to take a personal interest in the accused, should it not be matched by a personal interest in the victims?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we went through this in a lot of detail yesterday. It is a very serious issue. Our police did a very thorough, professional and independent task in bringing those charges against Bob Collins. All witnesses were advised of the Witness Assistance Service and the counselling and assistance they could source through that, which is something we are certainly encouraging them to do. As I said yesterday, anyone who identifies as an alleged victim should use the same service.
The service has been spoken to by the CEO of Justice, as directed by the Attorney-General. They understand that matters are to be dealt with are very confidentially and professionally. This is anything but hands-off, I say to the member for Blain. We are very concerned that those who are alleged victims have the counselling and support that they need. This government is doing everything it can in that direction to help. It is not a hands-off process at all. We are balancing what has happened with what we can do now. How we are moving is very appropriate.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we went through this in a lot of detail yesterday. It is a very serious issue. Our police did a very thorough, professional and independent task in bringing those charges against Bob Collins. All witnesses were advised of the Witness Assistance Service and the counselling and assistance they could source through that, which is something we are certainly encouraging them to do. As I said yesterday, anyone who identifies as an alleged victim should use the same service.
The service has been spoken to by the CEO of Justice, as directed by the Attorney-General. They understand that matters are to be dealt with are very confidentially and professionally. This is anything but hands-off, I say to the member for Blain. We are very concerned that those who are alleged victims have the counselling and support that they need. This government is doing everything it can in that direction to help. It is not a hands-off process at all. We are balancing what has happened with what we can do now. How we are moving is very appropriate.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016