Senator HARRIS (2:48 PM) —My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Senator Vanstone. Is the minister aware of allegations made this week about the rape of a 14-year-old Aboriginal girl while in Queensland state care?

Senator VANSTONE (Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Reconciliation) —I thank Senator Harris. Senator Harris, I am aware of a House of Representatives committee hearing which was held in Brisbane on Monday. I am aware of the allegations made at that hearing, including the allegation of the rape of a 14-year-old girl. The sad thing is that she will not be the only young Australian girl who has been abused. I direct you back to remarks I have made in the past to Senator Bartlett and to Senator Murray that, without in any way at all excusing any level of abuse that might happen to children in care, we do need to understand that children are at most risk in their own homes.