Following the heartbreaking murder-suicide that claimed the lives of a young mother and her children in South Australia's south-east, State Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has issued a candid call for self-reflection within the force, asking: "Did we get it right?"

The bodies of Helena Wright and her 23-month-old daughter were recovered from waters off Port MacDonnell on July 27. Her three-month-old son is also presumed dead, though his body has not yet been located. Tension has mounted since it was revealed that Wright had visited the Mount Gambier Police Station just one day before the tragedy occurred.

Commissioner Stevens strongly cautioned against making immediate assumptions about how the case was managed, but acknowledged that the public deserves answers. While he declined to disclose the specific details of Wright's visit, he confirmed she did speak with an officer.

A Comprehensive Investigation

Police are currently preparing an extensive report for the coroner to examine the tragedy in its entirety, including any past interactions Wright had with law enforcement.

"I'm not presuming we could have done things better," Commissioner Stevens said. "But what I am enquiring into is 'did we get it right?' And if there were opportunities for change, then we would instigate those changes."

He emphasized that the department would not wait for a formal coronial inquest to implement necessary updates to service delivery if gaps in the system are identified early.

Corrections Department Under Fire

In a wide-ranging discussion, Commissioner Stevens also addressed the public outrage surrounding the brief release of Raina Cruise. Cruise was jailed for a violent assault on Constable Anthea Beck and was ordered to remain behind bars without parole eligibility until mid-2027.

However, Cruise recently revealed on social media that she had been released on home detention from the Adelaide Women's Prison, sparking immediate condemnation from senior police officials. The Department for Correctional Services has since revoked the order and returned Cruise to custody.

"I was deeply concerned that a person who had been convicted of the type of offence alleged against Raina Cruise and given a custodial sentence was provided an opportunity to serve a significant part of that sentence on home detention," Stevens stated, adding that he has spoken with corrections leadership to ensure preventative measures are now in place.

Updates on Missing Toddler Gus Lamont

Addressing the ongoing search for four-year-old Gus Lamont, who went missing from a remote property near Yunta nearly a year ago, Stevens confirmed that detectives are still evaluating potential search locations.

When asked about recent public comments made by the boy's grandmother regarding the police investigation, the Commissioner remained focused on the operational reality. "She is entitled to make any statement that she wants publicly... That doesn't alter the course of our investigation," he said.

Future Governor Speculation

On a political note, Commissioner Stevens addressed rumors that he is being considered to replace outgoing State Governor Frances Adamson, whose term concludes in October.

While Stevens dismissed the talk as speculation and noted he has two years remaining on his current police contract, he did not completely close the door on the prestigious vice-regal role.

"No-one in any position of authority has had a conversation with me about that," Stevens remarked, before adding with a smile: "Never say never to anything."