Rod Kemp (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

As you know, Senator, in relation to Indigenous child abuse, the Australian government called all states and territories to a national summit on violence and child abuse on 26 June in Canberra. The outcomes of that summit were subsequently endorsed by COAG at its July meeting. That was a very important step towards reducing family violence and child abuse.

I draw the attention of the Senate to the fact that the Australian government has contributed in the order of $130 million through a package of measures. In the time available to me now I am unable to list all of them, but there will be up to $40 million to improve police infrastructure in remote areas and up to $50 million for additional drug and alcohol treatment and rehab services in regional and remote areas. So, Senator, I think it is quite wrong of you to give the impression that in this very important area which you have raised the government is not taking the strongest possible action. (Time expired)