Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The government is opposed to this motion, but we are not opposed to the important work of addressing Indigenous incarceration and deaths in custody. We acknowledge that any death in custody is tragic and is one too many. The government is opposed to this motion as it is not appropriate for the Commonwealth to sign up to matters which are clearly the responsibility of the states. State and territory governments are responsible for the criminal justice system, and it is appropriate that they take a lead role in addressing matters within the justice system. The Turnbull government is committed to initiatives that focus on tackling the underlying disadvantage that increases the likelihood of a person coming into contact with the justice system.

Question agreed to.