National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse has launched

The National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 (the National Strategy) has been launched. 

The National Strategy was developed in partnership with Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and in consultation with range of non-government stakeholders including victims and survivors.

The objective of the 10 year, whole-of-nation framework is to enhance Australia’s response to child sexual abuse and address key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse. While the Royal Commission focused on institutions, the National Strategy targets child sexual abuse in all settings, including in the family and online.

The first phase of the National Strategy will be driven by two, four-year action plans:

• the First National Action Plan, which will be delivered by Commonwealth, state and territory governments
• the First Commonwealth Action Plan, which will primarily be delivered by Commonwealth agencies.

“Today we deliver the first ever long-term, truly national plan to protect our children from the scourge of sexual abuse,” the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison said.

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Hon Ben Morton, said both action plans would deliver real protections for Australian children, and better supports for victims and survivors.

Read the full joint media release from the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Hon Ben Morton.

More information on the National Strategy is available on the National Office for Child Safety website.