All children must be treated with dignity. Children should never be strip searched
But right now, across the country, children are still regularly subjected to violent and degrading strip searches by police and prison authorities. For children who have already experienced violence, sexual abuse or trauma, this invasive practice can be profoundly retraumatising.
This country has made human rights commitments.
Now we need to uphold them.
Everyone’s basic rights should be respected, regardless of which state or territory you live in.
This country has signed up to international human rights agreements that are supposed to protect the rights and dignity of people in custody. But we have a patchwork of laws, policies and practices across the country that often don’t fully align with these agreements, if at all.
SIGN
The Commonwealth has the power to make laws that enforce the human rights obligations this country has signed up to.
This Bill, and my other Bill to end the practice of shackling during childbirth, are steps towards doing that.
The rights of people in custody are protected by international agreements this country has signed and ratified, including:
These commitments should not just exist on paper. They should be reflected in Commonwealth law and upheld across this country. No more excuses.
This is a test for the Albanese Government
The Albanese Government says they support human rights. Now they have a real choice.
They can support this Bill, and my other Bill to end the practice of shackling during childbirth, and stop the abuse. They can bring our laws in line with the human rights standards this country has committed to. Or they can allow these state-sanctioned human rights abuses to continue.
Add your voice
Children should not be strip searched. Everyone in this country should have their basic human rights respected. The Albanese government must ensure our kids are protected from these abusive practices, both in and out of custodial settings.
Albanese has the power to act. Now we will see whether he has the decency and the guts.
Sign the open letter calling on the Albanese Government to ban the strip searching of children.
Make a submission to the inquiry about this Bill.
The Senate is holding an inquiry into this Bill, and your voice can help make the case for change.
Anyone can make a submission. You can share your experiences, concerns or reasons for supporting the Bill, and this will inform the report that will be delivered to the Albanese government.
This inquiry is an opportunity for truth-telling. Your story is valuable in ensuring the truth is heard.
It is also possible to make a confidential or anonymous submission.
GET ASSISTANCE MAKING A SUBMISSION
Submissions close: 14 September 2026.