Appointment of a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

Yesterday’s announcement by the Federal Government of a new National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People is a turning point for children and families across Australia.

The appointment has been championed by the Australian Children’s Commissioners Guardians and Advocates (ACCGA), a collective group dedicated to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children and young people across the nation.

Key supporters were SNAICC and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Safe and Supported Leadership Group, many of whom are First Nations Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates, spearheaded the campaign to establish the role.

Speaking on behalf of the group, WA Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, highlighted the significance of the announcement.

“The National Commissioner will have the power to advocate for policy change and drive much-needed discussion and engagement around issues that impact First Nations children and young people.

“Too many of our children and young people suffer from overrepresentation in the youth justice and out of home care systems, are disengaged from education or facing significant health and mental health challenges.
“It is critical that we reverse this appalling situation before we lose another generation.

“This appointment will ensure First Nations children and young people are better supported to live the life they deserve and that families are strengthened by solutions designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“So much work has gone on behind the scenes to make this appointment a reality and I would like to thank my ACCGA colleagues for continuing to campaign for change that will benefit our children and young people now and for future generations.”

“We are thrilled the Federal Government has listened to our calls for the establishment of this critical role.”
Endorsed by the Australian Children’s Commissioners Guardians and Advocates. 

For more information about the Commissioner, Guardian or Advocate in your state, visit:

ACT: ACTkids.act.gov.au
NT: occ.nt.gov.au
NSW: acyp.nsw.gov.au
QLD: qfcc.qld.gov.au and publicguardian.qld.gov.au
SA: ccyp.com.au and cacyp.com.au
TAS: childcomm.tas.gov.au
VIC: ccyp.vic.gov.au
WA: ccyp.wa.gov.au
National: humanrights.gov.au/our-work/childrens-rights

Endorsed by the Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates for Australian children and young people

ENDS

For media information contact:

Kirstine O’Donnell | Queensland Family and Child Commission
Phone:  0404 971 164
Email:    media@qfcc.qld.gov.au
 

About Australia's children's commissioners, guardians and advocates:
Australia’s children's commissioners, guardians and advocates are a collective group dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights and wellbeing of children and young people across the nation. Comprising experts and leaders in child advocacy, they collaborate on initiatives that empower and support children and young people in Australia.