Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

There are a range of institutions and governments that owe responsibility to these Australians for the wrongs that have been done. Some state governments have very different views from others as to the manner in which redress should be provided. The Minister for Social Services has been working constructively with those governments to ensure that redress is provided and we will be seeking to deliver a nationally consistent approach. But what honourable members opposite are proposing, I gather, is that the federal government should simply pay all of the compensation or all of the redress.

Opposition members interjecting—

The matter is being very carefully and empathically handled. We understand the situation. I say to honourable members opposite, particularly the member for Isaacs, who is a specialist in feigned indignation—nobody does a better line in indignation than him: there is no monopoly on compassion and empathy on their side of the House. We understand the problem. We are working sensitively through it with those affected, with institutions and with governments to ensure that justice is done.

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