South Australian Numbered Acts South Australian Numbered Acts15—Commissioner may inquire into matters affecting children and young people at systemic level
(1) The Commissioner may, in the Commissioner's absolute discretion, conduct an inquiry into—
(a) the policies, practices and procedures of a State authority or authorities as they relate to the rights, development and wellbeing of children and young people generally, or a particular group of children and young people; and
(b) any other matter declared by the regulations to fall within the ambit of this subsection.
(2) However, the Commissioner may only conduct an inquiry under this section if the Commissioner suspects that—
(a) the matter raises an issue of particular significance to children and young people; and
(b) the matter is of a systemic nature rather than being limited to an isolated incident; and
(c) it is in the public interest to conduct the inquiry.
(3) To avoid doubt, and without limiting any other provision of this section, the Commissioner—
(a) may, in the course of conducting an inquiry into matters of a systemic nature, consider a matter affecting a particular child or young person; and
(b) may conduct an inquiry under this section as a consequence of becoming aware of a matter affecting a particular child or young person.
(4) The Commissioner must not conduct an inquiry under this section if to do so would be likely to impede an investigation or proposed investigation relating to a matter that is being, or is to be, conducted by an inquiry agency.
(5) Subject to this Act, the Commissioner may conduct an inquiry under this section in such manner as the Commissioner thinks fit.
(6) A State authority must assist the Commissioner in the conduct of an inquiry under this section as requested by the Commissioner.
(7) The Commissioner must inform each relevant State authority as to the nature and timing of an inquiry under this section.
(8) In this section—
"inquiry agency" has the same meaning as in section 45
.