Landmark reforms undertaken by the Albanese Government to strengthen child safety have been recognised by the global Out of the Shadows Index (the Index) - ranking Australia 1st for efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence against children.
Rising from 7th on the Index in 2022, the number one ranking reflects this Government's delivery of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 (National Strategy) and its First Action Plan, as well as the investment and reforms to the Working with Children Check schemes through the National Reform Agreement on Working with Children Checks and the development of the National Continuous Checking Capability.
The Government's leadership in reforming the Working with Children Check schemes has already culminated in the passage or introduction of legislation in all states and territories to ensure that if a person is banned from holding a Working with Children Check in one jurisdiction, they will be banned in all.
The Government has also invested an additional $13.5 million in the 2026-27 Budget to enable critical efforts under the National Strategy's First Action Plans to continue over the coming 12 months. This builds on the $328.7 million already provided to strengthen child safety and support victims and survivors.
In April this year, we rolled out the first national offender prevention service, Stop it Now! Australia, marking a significant milestone in our prevention efforts. The second-phase launch of the 'One Talk at a Time' campaign is playing a further role in preventing child sexual abuse by encouraging adults to have ongoing and proactive conversations with the children, young people and other adults in their lives. We have also invested in frontline organisations that provide critical support services to victims and survivors around the country.
Importantly, the Index highlights that sexual violence against children remains a global and systemic crisis and more needs to be done by all governments.
That is why, in the coming weeks, the Attorney-General's Department will consult with state and territory governments, non-government stakeholders, and the broader community to develop the Second Action Plan under the National Strategy. Consultation on action plans under other related national frameworks will occur at the same time so that we can ensure they all work together.
Reading about child sexual abuse can be confronting. Visit the Get Support page on the Child Safety website for information about support services.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"Keeping our children and young people safe from harm is a key priority of the Albanese Government.
"We have taken significant steps to strengthen child safety, including advancing critical Working with Children Check reforms - ensuring that if someone is banned from holding a Working with Children Check in one jurisdiction, they are banned in all.
"I welcome the recognition of the Government's efforts to prevent and address child sexual abuse as highlighted by the global Out of the Shadows Index.
"We will continue working to stamp out this heinous crime and reinforce the need for all Australians to step in to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse."
