Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Payments) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, Senator Ryan. Australians were horrified by the evidence of appalling violence and abuse towards people with disability on last night's Four Corners program. In one harrowing account, Anne, the mother of a child with autism, said:

I could not sleep knowing my son was in that house. … I would park my car out the front of that house … so that if he did need something I'd be there. But the reality is … I couldn't protect him at that point. I had to get him out.

Was the government aware of these issues before the reports were aired on Four Corners? If yes, what action has the government taken, and, if not, why not?

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am not briefed on whether the government was aware of what was broadcast last night. I have not seen the broadcast myself, but I am aware of the news reports today. I will take that on notice and come back to the chamber.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Brown, a supplementary question.

Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Payments) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the minister—and I understand if he has to come back and let the Senate know—accept that these reports demonstrate that the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework is inadequate to address issues of abuse?

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, I do not accept that such a broad-ranging statement can be based on one particular media report. I am not dismissing the coverage of what I saw this morning—I did not see it last night—but I do not think—

Senator Wong interjecting—

Senator Wong, I tell you what: I am not going to waste the Senate chamber's time with constant interjections and commentary from you. You are not the supercoach here. I am actually trying to treat the senator's question with respect. I do not have a brief on it. I represent the portfolio. I am being honest with the chamber. Senator Brown, I do not think that such a broad-ranging statement, given the success of the rollout of the NDIS thus far—

Honourable senators interjecting—

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order on both sides!

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Given the success of the rollout thus far, Senator Brown—through you, Mr President—I do not think such a broad-ranging statement can be based on one program. I will get the information you request. I will treat your question with the respect it deserves and come back to the chamber when I am fully informed. (Time expired)

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Brown, a final supplementary question.

Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Payments) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A second supplementary question: Minister, in response to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee report on violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability in institutional and residential settings, the government ruled out an inquiry. Given these horrific reports of abuse, will the government overturn its position and support an independent national inquiry into violence against and abuse and neglect of people with disability?

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do not think it will surprise the Senate to hear that I, as the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, will not overturn the previous government's policy in an answer to a question in the Senate.