Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Payman, for the question. I certainly did hear the stories this morning. The young women and girls who told their stories—I'd like to commend their bravery in coming forward to speak about a really difficult issue but a very important one. So, thank you, Senator Payman.

Obviously learning to drive should be an exciting time for young people, where they commence their journey into adulthood and greater independence. And driving instructors, just like teachers and those in a position of responsibility in our society, have to ensure that these environments are safe. Each jurisdiction sets its own rules for instructor accreditation, compliance and disciplinary processes. Allegations of inappropriate behaviour by driving instructors are handled by the state or territory regulator responsible for issuing that accreditation. These regulators have the power to investigate the complaints, suspend or cancel accreditation, or impose conditions on an instructor's licence. But obviously, more critically, in instances of alleged criminality these matters should be reported to the police.