The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams says he is shocked and disappointed with the results of a survey on attitudes to child abuse.

Senator Williams, a member of the bipartisan Politicians Against Child Abuse and Neglect , said 22,000 Australians responded to a survey last year and the results have just been released.

He said of most concern is the fact that 92 percent of respondents considered child abuse to be a serious issue, but only 34 percent would call police if a child disclosed they had been subjected to sexual abuse.

"Less than half admitted they would contact child protection authorities when they were confronted with evidence of child abuse. Reasons given for not acting included concerns 'they might be wrong" and 'it was none of their business'.

It is everyone's business to look out for our children because currently 33,000 are abused or neglected each year. In a country like Australia with our lifestyle and values we should not be proud of this record.

National Child Protection Week starts this Sunday and there is no better time to change our attitude towards this issue. It is every adult's responsibility", Senator Williams said.

The NAPCAN National Survey results are available at www.preventingchildabuse.com.au