Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Calwell for her question. Yesterday the Northern Territory government both received and released the report of the inquiry into their child protection system. The Growing them strong together report does shine the spotlight on their child protection system not coping with the very significant numbers of children who are being neglected and abused. While it is the case, as I am sure all members of this House are aware, that state and territory governments are responsible for their statutory child protection systems, the Australian government will continue to work with the Northern Territory government in the interests of children. We announced yesterday that we will provide additional funding to increase the number of parents on child protection income support; we will provide additional family support services, boost the number of child protection workers, particularly in remote communities; and we will also provide additional funding to strengthen alcohol controls. I am sure it is the case that every single member of this House would agree that one of the most significant responsibilities of any government is to work to protect vulnerable children. No matter where children live, they deserve to grow up happy, healthy and safe.

It has been the case that there has been very strong action in the Northern Territory over the last three years. The previous government instigated the Northern Territory Emergency Response and this government has continued that work. We have added an extra $1.2 billion to make sure that we improve the delivery of services in the Northern Territory.

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