Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One of the most important responsibilities that I have as a father and a member of parliament is to ensure that the next generation grows up knowing that they are safe, valued and supported. Last week, thousands of organisations rallied behind National Child Protection Week. For me as a dad, there is nothing more terrifying than the thought of something happening to one of my sons. For Bruce and Denise Morcombe, this fear became reality when their 13-year-old son, Daniel, was abducted and murdered. As many Australians know, Daniel was simply waiting at a bus stop in Queensland, on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family. Following this unthinkable day, Bruce and Denise, in the midst of their grief, saw an opportunity to make a difference. Together they started the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to educate other children on how to stay safe. National Child Protection Week is not only about responding to the current issue but also about proactively equipping children with the confidence to recognise and escape unsafe situations.

For the last eight years, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation has helped keep kids safe through Australia's Biggest Child Safety Lesson initiative. This year's lesson was livestreamed across Australia from Manly State School in my electorate of Bonner. Australia's Biggest Safety Lesson provides an easy way for teachers, parents and carers to confidently discuss enthusiastic and affirmative consent. What does this mean? It means teaching our kids the importance of not crossing blurring boundaries and ensuring that consent is always truly, freely, clearly and wholeheartedly given. It was awesome to see this event livestreamed from Bonner to thousands of students across Australia. Thank you to our hosts, Coco and Finn, for keeping us informed and engaged. Remember: always ask for consent and wait for enthusiastic and affirmative confirmation.

I also want to acknowledge David Crisafulli and the Queensland LNP opposition, who, yesterday, standing alongside Bruce and Denise, committed to establishing a public sex offender register. Named 'Daniel's Law', this register is a tangible step to making our community safer. Lastly, thank you to Bruce and Denise for your continued advocacy and commitment to helping our kids stay safe. By teaching our young ones the skills needed to recognise, react to, and report unsafe situations, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation has not only become a powerful symbol of hope but also undoubtedly saved lives. While nothing will bring Daniel back, Bruce and Denise have courageously turned a tragedy into a powerful platform to raise awareness and bring change. It was an honour to be part of last week's Australia's Biggest Child Safety Lesson. I look forward to continuing to work with this driven team.