Mal Brough (Longman, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I absolutely assure you that, if they see something that is unhygienic, we have asked them to deal with that immediately because the child’s health is at risk. If it is a minor matter, a minor infringement—and, again, it might be just by way of advice—that is the sort of thing that should not be done. If it is a major issue then it is for the state health authorities to deal with. Our spot checkers are required to immediately inform their state counterparts and have them act upon that, who have the authority to do so.

Like you, I am also very concerned to ensure not only that the environment is fine but that the hygienic principles that we would all require around babies and young children are adhered to. What you do not want to have happen is, again, a big long paperwork trail back to the NAC for something which is a state government responsibility. Have them responsible for it, notify them of it and have them follow through on it, but deal with any hygiene issues that we have just mentioned immediately—as long as they are inadvertent and not wanton disregard for the health and wellbeing of their centre and their children.

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