Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been asked to call a royal commission into the abuse of Indigenous children.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton made the request in parliament on Thursday, when speaking on the fourth anniversary of the national apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

Mr Dutton said the previous royal commission – which received cross-party support – had shed light on the abuse of tens of thousands of children.

Having visited the Northern Territory recently, the Liberal leader said women had told him of “abominable” child sexual abuse occurring in their communities.

He said some children were sleeping during the day and missing school to avoid being at home at night for fear of being abused and assaulted.

“It is time for a new royal commission to examine child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities,” Mr Dutton said.

“We support immediate action from this government and the Northern Territory government on this incredibly important issue.”

Mr Albanese told parliament it was important to continue the work begun after the royal commission, including properly supporting the national strategy to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.

“An apology must never be the end of the story, but rather the start of a new and better chapter,” he said.

“There is so much more to be done, not just in our institutions but in our families, our communities and, increasingly, online.”