STATEMENTS BY SENATORS
Senator THORPE (Victoria—Independent VIC Whip) (13:04): The Albanese government has shown it can act to protect children when it has the political will. After Four Corners exposed serious abuse in the childcare sector, the federal government responded rapidly with national reforms. It strengthened funding and compliance powers, introduced legislation, established a national worker register and brought the states and territories into line.
The Commonwealth government understood that, even though states and territories regulate child care, it had a responsibility to act. Albanese did not simply point to the states and territories and walk away. He used his immense power to drive change and protect these children.
So why aren't we seeing that same urgency for the thousands of children being harmed daily in the child protection system? I hear a child in the gallery—and it's fitting that we have a child that's speaking in this chamber as well today! But, right now, children in residential care are being targeted by paedophiles, groomed and sexually exploited.
Children are being trafficked, exposed to drug networks and subjected to violence, in settings where governments have put them—supposedly, for their own safety. Terrifyingly, many are taking their own lives under government supervision. But, instead of acting with the same urgency they showed in response to abuse in child care, the Albanese government are doing everything they can to avoid responsibility for this crisis.
Why? Is it because these children are generally poor, or because so many are Aboriginal? How can Albanese see what is happening and turn his back?
That's why I'm calling for a national inquiry into child protection. Those in this government need to face up to their responsibility to keep all children safe in this country, because right now they are doing everything they can to avoid scrutiny. Where has Minister Plibersek been in recent weeks following the revelations from the Pilbara, despite it being her portfolio?
Why has Minister McCarthy been working to shut down the very inquiry I am proposing? And why has the Prime Minister repeatedly dismissed questions, instead of taking responsibility and showing leadership? That is exactly why we need this inquiry: to hold this government accountable and put the safety of children back in the national spotlight.
My inquiry would examine the Commonwealth's responsibilities and obligations, why existing national frameworks are failing and what the Commonwealth must do to drive change across every state and territory for every child in this country. I have the support of Aboriginal organisations, experts and families. But this is not just about black kids; it's about all children and families in this country who are struggling and being subjected to harm in government systems.
Every year, hundreds of families contact my office, terrified for their children and with nowhere else to turn. Families are crying out for help and being ignored, until they reach crisis point. Governments know these children are at risk, yet families' calls for support go unanswered.
Many children are left in very dangerous situations, and vast numbers are being removed from their families—only to suffer immense harm in the government systems that are supposed to be there to protect them. This is a national crisis—it is happening across the country—and it demands a national response. The Commonwealth does have a role to play.
This inquiry will examine what role it should be and why the government is failing to fulfil it. We need to know why this crisis is continuing to get worse under Albanese and what his government must do to drive change. I'm putting this to a vote tomorrow, and I am ready to work to establish this inquiry with anyone in this Senate who is prepared to take children's safety and wellbeing in this country seriously.
Children and their families cannot wait. Every child who dies in government care—and there have been many who have—is one too many. And this government can stop it.