❓ Question regarding the alleged sexual assault of two primary school children and the Minister's response, including a review of school safety protocols.
AnsweredQoN 48Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SCHOOLCHILDREN — ASSAULTS IN NORTHERN SUBURBS
I refer to the alleged sexual assault of two primary school children in the northern suburbs on the afternoon of Monday, 10 November. (1) When did the minister or her staff first become aware of the incident, and why did she fail to issue an immediate warning to parents at the school? (2) Is the minister critical of the school’s failure to issue a timely warning and advise parents and protect children? Dr E. CONSTABLE
I refer to the alleged sexual assault of two primary school children in the northern suburbs on the afternoon of Monday, 10 November. (1) When did the minister or her staff first become aware of the incident, and why did she fail to issue an immediate warning to parents at the school? (2) Is the minister critical of the school’s failure to issue a timely warning and advise parents and protect children? Dr E. CONSTABLE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
(1) When did the minister or her staff first become aware of the incident, and why did she fail to issue an immediate warning to parents at the school? (2) Is the minister critical of the school’s failure to issue a timely warning and advise parents and protect children? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
(2) Is the minister critical of the school’s failure to issue a timely warning and advise parents and protect children? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
(1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
[See statement on page 318.]
(1) When did the minister or her staff first become aware of the incident, and why did she fail to issue an immediate warning to parents at the school? (2) Is the minister critical of the school’s failure to issue a timely warning and advise parents and protect children? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
(2) Is the minister critical of the school’s failure to issue a timely warning and advise parents and protect children? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
I thank the member for Midland for her question. (1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
(1)-(2) I was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the director general of education on Tuesday. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mrs M.H. Roberts : What time on Tuesday? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : It was on Tuesday morning. I cannot recall the exact time. I do not believe that it is my position to issue that warning. I think the protocols — Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mrs M.H. Roberts : You are the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : When I was informed of the incident on Tuesday morning, all the details were not available to me. The correct procedure and protocols are in place for police and schools to inform — Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mrs M.H. Roberts : Are you satisfied they are the correct protocols? Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : No, I am not satisfied that they are the correct protocols. These are the protocols that were in place during the past eight years while the opposition was in government. I have asked for an urgent review of the four protocols to deal with unauthorised people on school grounds. I will tell members what those four protocols are because the problem lies in the protocols themselves. Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mrs M.H. Roberts : Do the protocols vary if the person is in the toilets? The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
The SPEAKER : Member, I believe you are getting an answer. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have asked for an urgent review of four protocols, which are: the procedures for dealing with unauthorised persons on school sites; the procedures for liaising with police over unauthorised persons on school sites; the reporting of critical incidents from schools to the department—when the department is told; and how schools communicate critical incidents to parents and others. They are the four protocols that I think were involved. They are the same protocols that have been in place for many years. They were in place while the opposition was in government. Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Mr E.S. Ripper : Including while the Premier was the minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
Dr E. CONSTABLE : That may well be so. Unfortunately, this dreadful alleged crime has drawn this matter to everyone’s attention. We are all reading from the same page on this. We would all like to see these protocols tightened and looked at. I have had conversations with the Minister for Police. The Department of Education and Western Australia Police are communicating and will be working urgently to look at aspects of safety and security at schools. There are many aspects of this issue that we have to look at, including the design of schools and other things, particularly old schools. There are some very worrying aspects of the designs of old schools relating to safety and security that have been brought to light by this horrifying incident. They need to be looked at as a matter of great urgency. [See statement on page 318.]
[See statement on page 318.]
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