Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:31) 

Astrid Hocking is extremely passionate about protecting vulnerable children. She has fostered more than 90 children over 24 years, ranging from emergency stints to long-term stays. Earlier this year, Astrid was named 2023 Lake Macquarie Senior of the Year for her work with the Hearts and Hands Community Development Umbrella Hearts project.

Today is the very first Child Protection Awareness Day, and I'm proud to be the ambassador for it. It's not okay to hurt a child; everyday it's not okay. If as a society we could remember that statement, we would not have statistics that showed 72,900 cases of child abuse and neglect in Australia in 2021 and 2022. In a world where children are our most precious resource, we all play a critical role in creating an environment where they can thrive. It takes parents, caregivers, educator, community leaders and every concerned individual to build a protective shield around our children.

On this Child Protection Awareness Day, help us raise awareness across the country and the globe. It's a simple ask: wear an umbrella ribbon to show you care to be aware. Have open conversations. Take up the challenge and share the message that protecting children is everyone's business—it's not okay to hurt a child; everyday it's not okay. Thank you, Astrid, for your tireless work on this subject.