Ex-Labor staffer accused of child exploitation, Benjamin Waters, to undergo mental health check

A former South Australian Labor staffer charged with producing and possessing child exploitation material will remain in custody until a mental health assessment is carried out.

Benjamin Waters, 38, was arrested last week by the South Australian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) following an investigation by SA Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

He has applied for home detention, but a report into the suitability of his accommodation has raised concerns.

Mr Waters has agreed to be interviewed by a mental health professional before a decision is made on home detention.

Mr Waters, who worked as a staffer for state Labor MP Nat Cook, had his employment terminated and was expelled from the party after his alleged offending was revealed.

He has been charged with one count of producing child abuse material through a carriage service and four counts of possessing child exploitation material.

As part of the investigation, South Australia’s Parliament House was raided by the AFP.

The matter will return to court next week.