Senate debates

Monday, 27 November 2017

Motions

Aboriginal Family-Led Decision-Making Program

4:14 pm

Photo of Rachel SiewertRachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes with deep concern the high number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care;

(b) acknowledges the urgent need to address this issue; and

(c) calls on the Federal Government to show leadership and work with state and territory governments to ensure the implementation of Aboriginal Family-Led Decision Making, delivered in partnership with Aboriginal agencies.

Photo of James McGrathJames McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Photo of James McGrathJames McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

The states and territories have responsibility for child protection systems, and this motion should be directed to those jurisdictions. However, the Commonwealth is working closely with all states and territories, and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities, to address the underlying factors that lead to higher rates of contact with the child protection system and to better support families. The safety of our children is paramount, and the Commonwealth is providing over $450 million a year to get Indigenous children to school, to improve education outcomes and to make communities safer.

Question agreed to.