Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Everyone in this place would be concerned to hear of allegations of abuse or mistreatment of people with disability, who, as we know, are often in a vulnerable situation. It is particularly concerning when the alleged abuse—and some has been proved—has been perpetrated by people who are in the privileged position of providing support to people with significant disabilities. It is important that we are serious and sober when looking to respond to these important matters. Allegations of this nature should be referred to the relevant disability and police authorities. I do note that both the Victorian government and the Victorian opposition have agreed that there will be a Victorian parliamentary inquiry into sexual abuse in the disability sector in Victoria. The Commonwealth will study closely the outcome of the inquiry to see if there are lessons that can and should be learnt and changes applied at the national level.