Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is for the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, Senator Fierravanti-Wells. Last week Human Rights Watch released a report entitled I needed help, instead I was punished, detailing the abuse and neglect of disabled prisoners in Australia, including cases in which disabled inmates were knowingly placed in the care of convicted sex offenders, forced to wear nappies due to a lack of accessible facilities and disproportionately placed in solitary confinement. In light of these horrifying revelations, will the government now commit to a royal commission into violence, abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in institutional and residential settings?

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Steele-John for his question. First of all, I say that I thought that situation was very appalling. I also say that the circumstances surrounding this incident are primarily the responsibility of the state government—in this case in Queensland. I'm happy to obtain further information for you in relation to this matter. That's my understanding of the situation.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Steele-John, a supplementary question.

Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We didn't quite get an answer to my question there. I remind the chamber that the government announced the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory within 24 hours of the Don Dale youth centre scandal hitting the media. In light of the blatant urgency indicated by the report, will the government now commit to a royal commission into this issue?

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Steele-John, I'm happy to take this matter on notice. I have indicated to you the information that I have available to me. I'm happy to take that part of your question on notice and advise you as soon as I can.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Steele-John, a final supplementary question.

Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In my final question I seek the minister's view on whether, in light of the revelations within the Human Rights Watch report and multiple other cases given to the Senate during its inquiries, the government will now assume responsibility for further atrocities that occur in residential settings from this point forward until the time at which they finally act on this issue and establish a royal commission.

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Steele-John, I will certainly pass on your commentary to the minister. As I said, I will take your question on notice. This is a serious issue. My understanding is that it is an issue within the parameters of the jurisdiction of Queensland, but I will take your question on notice and get back to you as soon as I can.