Royal Commissioner named
Former Supreme Court justice Margaret Nyland will head a royal commission in South Australia into government agency Families SA.
Deatils of the appointment and terms of reference were published in the Government Gazette earlier today.
The retired judge has been given 12 months to examine “concerns about the effectiveness of the State’s child protection system” and what improvements can be made.
Ms Nyland is prevented, however, from conducting the Commission in any way that might “undermine the presumption of innocence, or right to a fair trial, of any person”.
The royal commission comes after a string of Families SA scandals including criminal charges against registered carers and media revelations that some of those charged had been the subject of previous complaints.
“It is necessary and appropriate that the laws, policies, procedures and practices relevant to the State’s child protection system be investigated as a matter of urgency to ensure such children are safe from harm and that the public can have confidence in that system and in the work of Families SA and other relevant agencies,” the Gazette notice said.
Premier Jay Weatherill said Commissioner Nyland has had a long and distinguished career in the law and was the best choice to undertake this important work.
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“Commissioner Nyland has served on the Supreme, District and Youth Court benches and has extensive experience in child protection matters,” he said.
“She will be supported by child protection and legal experts while undertaking this work, and administrative assistance will be provided by the Attorney General’s Department.
“The Government is committed to providing the support necessary for the Commission to be conducted effectively and efficiently.
“The management and allocation of resourcing will be a matter for Commissioner Nyland, she will have complete discretion in this regard, and the full support of the Government for any resources she may need.
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