Joint media release - Dutton and McIntosh - Coalition to fund Alannah & Madeline Foundation

THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION 

MELISSA MCINTOSH MP 
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS 

16 April 2025 

COALITION TO FUND ALANNAH & MADELINE FOUNDATION 

An elected Dutton Coalition Government will provide $6 million to the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to keep our children safe from online harm. 

The Foundation’s eLearning tools include a set of age-appropriate teaching and learning resources focussed on essential online safety, digital and media literacy skills for children aged 4 to 16. 

This commitment builds on the Coalition’s strong record of protecting children from online harm. We established the eSafety Commission and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, which we will double in size. The Coalition has also led the national debate on restricting social media for children under the age of 16. 

Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said only the Coalition can provide the strong leadership needed to tackle the issue of online safety.   

“There is no more important matter for Australian society to consider than the protection of children. I know that many parents are desperate for help to limit the impacts of harmful content that’s re-wiring impressionable young minds in a bad way. We need to ensure parents and children are equipped with the knowledge and skills that will help them safely navigate the online world.     

“A Dutton Coalition Government proudly stands with parents, teachers and communities who want to see real action – not just words. Today’s funding announcement to continue the work of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation is an important part of our plan to keep children safe.” 

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh said all Australian parents want to keep their kids safe, including online, as there is nothing more important than protecting children.  

“Regardless of certain safety measures online, there will always be concerns from every parent about their kid’s activity online and those who can harm them,” said Mrs McIntosh.  

“This is why continued funding for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation is so important. The Coalition, working with the Foundation, will ensure our kids are taught to be safe online and understand the danger signs as early as possible.  

“We know the most important prevention tool is education and this is why the Coalition will fund the Alannah & Madeline Foundation for an additional three years to continue their essential work with young people,” said Mrs McIntosh. 

“Ensuring our kids have the digital literacy skills they need to engage and interact with their peers in a respectful way will help to reduce instances of cyberbullying, online abuse and ensure they do not engage with harmful content. 

“Digital technology is such a large part of our everyday lives. We use it for work, education, entertainment and to stay in contact with family and friends and is why organisations like the Alannah & Madeline Foundation must receive additional funding to continue their work throughout Australian communities.  

“Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has spent decades working to protect women and children and established the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. The Centre brings together resources from across government bodies, law enforcement, NGOs and other partners to prevent and disrupt harm against children. He also led the debate on ensuring kids under 16 were banned from social media.” 

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation was established by Walter Mikac, after he lost his wife and two daughters in the horrific events at Port Arthur in 1996. The strength in Mr Mikac’s words and actions after this tragic event have shaped our nation for the better. Over the last nearly 30 years, the Foundation has been dedicated to keeping children and young people free from violence and trauma.  

Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO, Sarah Davies said the commitment recognises the importance of long-term investment in children’s digital wellbeing.  

“We know children and young people are spending more time online than ever before – and while there are benefits, there are also significant risks. The eSmart program plays a vital role in equipping children and young people with the skills they need to stay safe, think critically and thrive online,’ said Ms Davies.  

“This commitment ensures that schools across the country – regardless of location or resourcing – can continue to access high-quality, evidence-informed tools to help students build digital confidence and resilience.”