QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:32): I thank Senator Thorpe for the question. Before I come to the specifics of—I think it's in relation to—the private senator's bill that you have brought into this chamber, Senator Thorpe.

I should say that I think all of us in this place take women's safety and ending violence against women and children as a top priority. Senator GALLAGHER: It has been a top priority for our government, including not only in investment that we have made—billions of dollars, including in significant work that has been undertaken to ensure that we have an action plan that is specifically dedicated to ending violence against women and children in First Nations communities that has been led by Minister Plibersek.

Senator GALLAGHER: I'm just explaining what we have done, to give some context. In relation to your private senator's bill, which I believe we are debating tomorrow—so not to get ahead of that—I think the stories that you have raised about the practice of shackling of pregnant women who give birth under custodial sentences are extremely concerning— Senator GALLAGHER: but I would also say that the responsibility for the criminal justice system is predominantly one that— Senator GALLAGHER: The responsibility of the criminal justice system is one that predominantly rests with the states and territories.

However, we are working with states and territories on these matters— Senator GALLAGHER: who are the ones who hold the levers for change. That is the approach we have taken. There are different responsibilities for different levels of government in our Federation.

(Time expired)