❓ A WA parliamentary question scrutinizes the Department of Communities' involvement in a family law case, questioning the legitimacy and appropriateness of a letter issued by a District Director. The Department declined to answer due to ongoing court proceedings.
AnsweredQoN 515Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to a letter identified in an affidavit being used in court proceedings addressed to the Presiding Magistrate of the Family Court of Western Australia, and which was on an official Government of Western Australia, Department of Communities letterhead, dated 31 July 2025 and signed by Andrea Speer, who is identified in the letter as the District Director, South West District, and I ask: (a) if this was a formal letter from the Departmental Director, why did it have no reference points in the "our reference" section at the top of the letter, which would normally be present in all official correspondence; (b) is this letter a part of formal departmental correspondence, and if so, is it on file within the Department records; (c) if no to (b), why is the letter on Departmental letterhead; (d) if yes to (b), why has the Department taken an active role in a family law case some thirteen days after a magistrate's ruling; (e) does the case involve a current or former employee of the Department; (f) if yes to (e), what is the relationship between either of the protagonists and the District Director; (g) is it normal or acceptable for a District Director of the Department to provide evidence in a family law dispute; and (h) how has the Department ensured it is not actively engaging in a conflict of interest in this case?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Child Protection
Response time
6 days
(a – h) As this matter is before the Family Court of Western Australia, it would not be appropriate for the Department of Communities to provide comment on this matter.
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