Michael Figwer, former director of Rugby SA, ex-staffer to Ann Bressington and former UniSA law tutor faces court on child abuse material charges

A tip-off from US police has led to former UniSA law tutor and ex-Rugby SA director Michael Figwer to be charged with possessing sickening child abuse material.

A former director of Rugby SA and law tutor at the University of South Australia has been charged with accessing and possessing child exploitation material.

Michael Figwer, 61, of Hazelwood Park, was arrested by Australian Federal Police attached to the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team after a tip-off from the United States National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Court records show Mr Figwer is accused of possessing the material at Hazelwood Park on March 17 when police raided his home and seized electronic devices, including his telephone.

He is also accused of using a carriage service to access the material in January 2020 also at Hazelwood Park.

It is not clear how many images or videos are the subject of the charges.

During a brief court appearance on Wednesday, a statutory suppression on his identity automatically lifted, allowing for his identification.

A Commonwealth prosecutor asked for Mr Figwer’s matter to be adjourned for six weeks to the committal court.

Michael Figwer, former UniSA lecturer and senior member of Rugby SA, leaves the Adelaide Magistrates Court where he is facing charges of possessing child exploitation material. PHOTO: Brenton Edwards

Jason Evitts, for Mr Figwer, did not oppose the adjournment and Magistrate Kym Millard set a date for next month.

Mr Figwer lists his professions online as a tutor at the University of South Australia with the school of business and law.

The Advertiser understands Mr Figwer was employed in a casual role at the university in 2015 but has not worked their since then.

He is a former practising solicitor and was involved with Rugby SA for several years and has held the role of chair of the match judiciary panel and acting director of the organisation in 2015.

A Rugby SA spokesman said they had not been contacted by police over the matter.

Michael Figwer – former MP's office manager and chair of Rugby SA's judicial review committee has been charged with possessing and accessing child abuse material. Picture Facebook.

“Rugby Union South Australia (RUSA) has had no contact with SA Police in regards to this matter however we understand an individual from our community has been charged and facing proceedings,” he said.

“This individual currently holds no official role within rugby although was temporarily engaged as a volunteer judiciary member in 2021.

“RUSA is committed to providing a safe environment for all its members.”

In 2013 and 2014 Mr Figwer was the office manager and research officer for Legislative Council Member Ann Bressington.

Ms Bressington was elected as a running mate to Nick Xenophon in 2006 as part of his No Pokies campaign.

By the time Mr Figwer joined Ms Bressington’s staff, Mr Xenophon had left state parliament and was a senator for South Australia.

Police are continuing to analyse electronic devices seized from Mr Figwer’s home.

Michael Figwer – former MP's office manager and former Rugby SA director has been charged with possessing and accessing child abuse material. Picture Facebook.

SA Police Detective Superintendent James Blandford said officers would continue following tips from the international law enforcement.

“It makes no difference who you are, where you are or who you are offending against, JACET will find you and hold you to account,” he said.