Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thought I had heard it all in this place but today, in debate on this motion, both Labor and the Greens argued against supporting the opposition's call for a royal commission into child sex abuse in Indigenous communities, audit spending on Indigenous programs and support practical policy ideas to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. I have now heard it all. Those opposite cannot support a royal commission into this most fundamentally important issue. Despite the Prime Minister saying, 'Oh yes, I've listened, I've learned and I accept responsibility,' clearly you have not. Over 60 per cent of Australians have clearly said your proposal for a top-down voice was not suitable. Clearly, we need a new approach. I could not believe my ears when Senator Cox stood up and basically said, 'No, she's alright; we don't need a royal commission into this.' I think that is outrageous.