THE mother of an autistic boy who died in state care is suing the State Government for damages.
However, Peta Kelty says what she wants most of all is an apology.
Her son Jackson Kelty, 15, and his carer Brendan Dermody, 28, drowned in the surf at Clifton Beach in March 2008.
Ms Kelty, flanked by supporters and her legal team, including former children’s commissioner Paul Mason and solicitor Madeleine Ogilvie, lodged a writ against the Government in the Supreme Court in Hobart yesterday.
“For three years my family have suffered a great deal of trauma while we worked through the inquest. I think above anything we deserve an apology,” Ms Kelty said.
“I’m Jackson’s mother, I’ve always been the person who represented him.
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Mr Mason, who was controversially dumped as children’s commissioner last year, said he was confident Ms Kelty had a good case.
“We’re saying the Government failed to look after the child to the standard the community would expect,” he said.
“They had the opportunity to parent with the family, to partner with the family in looking after Jackson but decided instead to take over the whole of Jackson’s care.”
A date for a hearing has not yet been set.
