Extra police, child protection stem from abuse inquiry

A report from an inquiry led by former judge Ted Mullighan on child sexual abuse in remote Aboriginal communities has produced disturbing findings.

It has been tabled in the South Australian Parliament, with the Government promising to act immediately on several of the 46 recommendations.

Following on from an earlier child abuse investigation involving former state wards, the latest inquiry spent 10 months investigating communities in the far north-west of SA.

It found child sexual abuse on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjtjatjara (APY) Lands to be widespread.

SA Premier Mike Rann has told Parliament that the Government will act immediately on recommendations including the posting of eight extra police officers and two extra child protection officers to the APY Lands.

The Government will also look at ways to restrict pornography in the Lands.

Mr Rann says the findings are deeply disturbing, with sickening details of the abuse of young Aboriginal children.

He says extra houses will also be built for police on the APY Lands.

"The injection of extra police recognises the need to keep the community safe both the Anangu and for the workers," he said.

"It will also ensure that we crack down on the trafficking of drugs and alcohol."

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