MULLIGHAN INQUIRY RECOMMENDATIONS

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (18 October 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): The Minister for Education and Child Development has been advised:

The Government has a strong commitment to child protection and has accepted or partially accepted 45 of the 46 recommendations made by the Children on APY Lands Mullighan Inquiry report. There are complex issues surrounding the prevalence and prevention of child abuse on the APY Lands and, as explained in previous reports to Parliament, many of the recommendations require long term responses.

The Government remains strongly committed to implementing its response to the remaining recommendations and as required by the Commission of Inquiry (Children in State Care and Children on APY Lands) Act 2004, will continue to report to Parliament about progress towards implementation on a yearly basis.

The Third Annual Progress Report was tabled in Parliament on 24 November 2011. A fourth annual progress report will be tabled in Parliament before the end of the year.