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ICMEC Australia has lodged its 2026–27 Federal Pre-Budget Submission, calling for targeted Commonwealth investment to strengthen Australia’s response to online child sexual exploitation and emerging AI-enabled harms.
Technology-facilitated abuse is increasing in scale and complexity across every jurisdiction. Frontline police and call-takers are regularly encountering technology-facilitated harms such as sexual extortion, grooming and AI-generated abuse material – often before specialist units are involved.
Our submission seeks $6.6 million over three years to deliver two practical national initiatives.
The first is a National Child Abuse Response Training Program for Frontline Police, equipping general duties officers and call-takers with the skills to recognise, triage and respond safely to online exploitation at first contact. The program is already being piloted and is designed for national rollout in partnership with law enforcement agencies.
The second strengthens the SaferAI for Children Coalition, ensuring child protection expertise directly informs Australia’s AI safety standards, policy and risk frameworks.
Together, these initiatives will lift national frontline capability and embed a child-centred and prevention-first lens in AI governance – helping ensure every child receives safer, more consistent support in an increasingly complex digital environment.
ICMEC Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and Elders past and present.
