❓ Hon. Nick Goiran questions the Minister for Police regarding a child sexual abuse investigation at Blue Gum Early Learning and Childcare Centre deemed 'not substantiated' by WA Police, raising concerns about the handling of evidence and expert consultation. The Minister confirms an investigation occurred, expert consultation took place, a complaint was received and reviewed, and a briefing will be sought.
AnsweredQoN 508Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Blue Gum Early
Learning and Childcare Centre—Sexual abuse allegations
508. Hon Nick Goiran to
the minister representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to a recent
investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse at Blue Gum Early Learning
and Childcare Centre which resulted in WA police deeming the matter "not
substantiated - no offence detected".
(1) Is the minister aware that an internal WA
police memorandum states "although no evidence has been located that
identifies any criminal offence has occurred, this cannot be excluded as a
cause for the injuries and behaviours of the children involved. Although it is
highly unlikely a criminal offence has occurred, this cannot be
precluded."?
(2) Is the minister aware that WA police dismissed
a report from a psychologist, with over 15 years' experience in child sexual
abuse, that confirmed that one of the victim's disclosures were "clear,
specific and not developmentally appropriate"?
(3) Did WA police consult qualified medical or
psychological experts before deciding to close this investigation?
(4) Have any complaints been received about the
handling of this investigation?
(5) Will the minister seek a briefing on this
matter?
Learning and Childcare Centre—Sexual abuse allegations
508. Hon Nick Goiran to
the minister representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to a recent
investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse at Blue Gum Early Learning
and Childcare Centre which resulted in WA police deeming the matter "not
substantiated - no offence detected".
(1) Is the minister aware that an internal WA
police memorandum states "although no evidence has been located that
identifies any criminal offence has occurred, this cannot be excluded as a
cause for the injuries and behaviours of the children involved. Although it is
highly unlikely a criminal offence has occurred, this cannot be
precluded."?
(2) Is the minister aware that WA police dismissed
a report from a psychologist, with over 15 years' experience in child sexual
abuse, that confirmed that one of the victim's disclosures were "clear,
specific and not developmentally appropriate"?
(3) Did WA police consult qualified medical or
psychological experts before deciding to close this investigation?
(4) Have any complaints been received about the
handling of this investigation?
(5) Will the minister seek a briefing on this
matter?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
The following answer
is provided by the Minister for Police.
(1) The Western Australian Police Force (WAPF)
advises that in 2023 the Child Abuse Squad commenced an investigation with
regards to the allegations of child abuse involving a learning centre following
a report to the WAPF.
(2) The WAPF received written advice from a
psychologist engaged by the complainant. The information provided was assessed
as part of the investigation. The investigation into the allegations found no
evidence of criminality.
(3) Yes. The
investigation included close engagement with the Department of Communities Education
and Care Regulatory Unit, and the Department of Health Child Protection
Unit at Perth Children's Hospital.
(4) A complaint was received, and a review of the
matter was undertaken by WAPF Sex Crime Divisional Office. This review did not
identify any additional investigative actions, and the original conclusion was
supplied.
(5) Yes.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
The following answer
is provided by the Minister for Police.
(1) The Western Australian Police Force (WAPF)
advises that in 2023 the Child Abuse Squad commenced an investigation with
regards to the allegations of child abuse involving a learning centre following
a report to the WAPF.
(2) The WAPF received written advice from a
psychologist engaged by the complainant. The information provided was assessed
as part of the investigation. The investigation into the allegations found no
evidence of criminality.
(3) Yes. The
investigation included close engagement with the Department of Communities Education
and Care Regulatory Unit, and the Department of Health Child Protection
Unit at Perth Children's Hospital.
(4) A complaint was received, and a review of the
matter was undertaken by WAPF Sex Crime Divisional Office. This review did not
identify any additional investigative actions, and the original conclusion was
supplied.
(5) Yes.
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