Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes with deep concern the high number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care;

(b) acknowledges the urgent need to address this issue; and

(c) calls on the Federal Government to show leadership and work with state and territory governments to ensure the implementation of Aboriginal Family-Led Decision Making, delivered in partnership with Aboriginal agencies.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The states and territories have responsibility for child protection systems, and this motion should be directed to those jurisdictions. However, the Commonwealth is working closely with all states and territories, and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities, to address the underlying factors that lead to higher rates of contact with the child protection system and to better support families. The safety of our children is paramount, and the Commonwealth is providing over $450 million a year to get Indigenous children to school, to improve education outcomes and to make communities safer.

Question agreed to.