The Hon. PATRICIA FORSYTHE: My question without notice is addressed to the Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Minister for the Environment. In view of the Minister’s acknowledgment of receipt of anonymous correspondence, what explanation has the Director-General of the Department of Juvenile Justice given the Minister about the specific allegations made about him in relation to allowing a juvenile or juveniles in detention to visit his home? Does the Minister believe that it is her responsibility to ensure that the director-general has acted appropriately? Has the Minister referred the anonymous letters signed by a senior staff member to either the Ombudsman or the Independent Commission Against Corruption?

The Hon. CARMEL TEBBUTT: The Hon. Patricia Forsythe has referred again to anonymous letters. She appears to have more detail about who those anonymous letters may be from than what I have ascertained. Further to my response to an earlier question, I can advise the House that since Mr Buttrum was appointed to the position of director-general more than three years ago no client of the department has ever attended his home. Once again I reiterate that I have some concerns about providing anonymous letters as a means to raise allegations, given that the department has procedures in place that enable staff to raise concerns. However, given that I have received anonymous letters, to assure myself that there is nothing untoward I have taken steps to have those letters referred to the Ombudsman. Once again I express concern about a process of using anonymous letters to raise matters within the department.