PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has called for a national child protection system following disturbing cases of abuse and neglect. State and territory leaders are likely to discuss the plan at this week's Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Sydney.
Police in Queensland, South Australia and the ACT are investigating separate cases of children allegedly being left without food and in squalid conditions.
In Brisbane, the emaciated bodies of 18-month-old twins were found in a cot.
And a tiny NSW south coast community has been shocked by the apparent murder-suicide of a father and his three young children.
Mr Rudd said the cases were revolting and authorities around the nation needed to work together to look after children.
"You know, I think, as a nation, we must do better and can do better for the protection of our little ones," Mr Rudd said.
"I think that would be the feeling of all Australians, particularly on a day like today.
"A national framework for child protection is necessary.
"We can do better, and must do better, for the protection of our little children because what's happening is absolutely revolting."
South Australian Premier Mike Rann backed a national approach.
"I've written to the prime minister suggesting that this be discussed at COAG so I'm delighted with his response," Mr Rann said.
NSW Community Services Minister Kevin Greene was generally supportive of a national framework, but said each state would still have responsibility for child protection within their own boundaries.
"The only concerns that we would have is that we wouldn't want a weakening of our current system," Mr Greene told the ABC.
"We'd be looking to work with the federal government to produce a stronger system, particularly a system that allows for a sharing of knowledge between the states."
COAG will be held in Sydney on July 3.
