A parliamentary question seeks details about an investigation into a complaint made by Mrs. Sheila Simons to the Department of Education and Training. The response provides specific dates, reporting lines, and confirms communication with the complainant, but declines to table the report due to an ongoing independent investigation.

AnsweredQoN 44Legislative Council
Asked
4 March 2004
Portfolio
Education and Training

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to my question on Tuesday, 2 March 2004 regarding complaints made by Mrs Sheila Simons to the minister and to the Department of Education and Training. With regard to the investigation conducted by the district director in September 2003 - (1) When did the investigation commence and finish? (2) To whom did the district director report at the conclusion or his or her investigation? (3) Did the district director or another investigating officer interview Mrs Simons about her complaint? (4) Was a formal response given to Mrs Simons after the investigation was concluded; and, if not, why not? (5) Will the parliamentary secretary table a report of the investigation; and, if not, why not? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide a response on behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training (1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(1) When did the investigation commence and finish? (2) To whom did the district director report at the conclusion or his or her investigation? (3) Did the district director or another investigating officer interview Mrs Simons about her complaint? (4) Was a formal response given to Mrs Simons after the investigation was concluded; and, if not, why not? (5) Will the parliamentary secretary table a report of the investigation; and, if not, why not? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide a response on behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training (1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(2) To whom did the district director report at the conclusion or his or her investigation? (3) Did the district director or another investigating officer interview Mrs Simons about her complaint? (4) Was a formal response given to Mrs Simons after the investigation was concluded; and, if not, why not? (5) Will the parliamentary secretary table a report of the investigation; and, if not, why not? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide a response on behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training (1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(3) Did the district director or another investigating officer interview Mrs Simons about her complaint? (4) Was a formal response given to Mrs Simons after the investigation was concluded; and, if not, why not? (5) Will the parliamentary secretary table a report of the investigation; and, if not, why not? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide a response on behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training (1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(4) Was a formal response given to Mrs Simons after the investigation was concluded; and, if not, why not? (5) Will the parliamentary secretary table a report of the investigation; and, if not, why not? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide a response on behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training (1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(5) Will the parliamentary secretary table a report of the investigation; and, if not, why not? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide a response on behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training (1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide a response on behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training (1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide a response on behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training (1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(1) An investigation of the complaint was made in September 2003 by the district director. Briefing notes were then supplied by the director to the complaints management unit to inform a response to Mrs Simons’ letter, dated 1 September 2003. The investigation of the complaint was completed on 6 October 2003. (2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(2) The district director reported to the manager of the complaints management unit of the Department of Education and Training. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(3) Yes. (4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(4) Yes. A letter to Mrs Simons was sent from the department on 6 October 2003. (5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
(5) No. An independent investigation has commenced and the report of the district director in relation to the complaint of Mrs Simons in September 2003 will form part of the information used by an independent investigator. Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
Hon KIM CHANCE: I ask that the business of the House be now resumed. Point of Order Hon BILL STRETCH: In view of the fact that we have lost a huge amount of time in private members business earlier and because we have just heard what was in effect a ministerial statement by Hon Tom Stephens on a very important and interesting subject, I ask that you, Mr President, consider extending question time by at least another two questions. The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.
The PRESIDENT: The member would be aware that it is not at my discretion to extend question time. I took into account the fact that two members did not receive an opportunity to ask a question yesterday and they were at the head of the queue today. Unfortunately, other members who asked a question yesterday were not at the head of the queue today. However, I have noted that three members who rose to seek a question did not ask a question today, and they will be given the call not prior to but after the Leader of the Opposition tomorrow. I noted the answer that the minister gave, which appeared as though it had aspects of a ministerial statement. Although I do note that question time went beyond the normal half an hour, technically it was taking up the time of orders of the day. I am mindful of the three members who missed the call today, and they will be given priority tomorrow.

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