National Commissioner appointment will be a game changer for First Nations children

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children have both responded favourably to the announcement made by the Federal Government yesterday outlining the appointment of a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner. 

 

The appointment, SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said, will be “a game changer” for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, and will focus on advocating for evidence-based change to policies and systems that will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up safe, connected to their family and cultural identity.

 

“Our sector and our communities have been calling for a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children for many years, to tackle the over-representation of young people in out-of-home care and youth detention,” she said.

 

The National Commissioner will be a champion, voice and facilitator for First Nations children, young people and families, and is expected to “hold the Government accountable” for policies and practices. ​

 

“They will help turn the tide of our children being over-represented in out of home care, and one of the key targets under Closing the Gap,” Ms Liddle added.

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“They will be able to investigate and make strong recommendations on issues impacting our children, ensuring their safety and rights are upheld.”

 

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap, she continued, “has given us the leverage and mechanism to finally make this (appointment) a reality.”​

 

“Our sector has consistently said the most effective and immediate action the Government can take to make children safe and protect their human rights is to stand up a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner, with the legislated power to investigate and make recommendations on issues impacting our children,” Ms Liddle said. 

 

AHRC pledged to work alongside the new Commissioner, First Nations communities and expert advisors, along with the Federal Government in a coordinated effort to address some of the shocking statistics relating to First Nations children in Australia. 

 

Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds said the tragic and continuing failure to address the needs of First Nations children is a massive human rights challenge for Australia. 

 

“We need a coordinated national approach, properly resourced, to protect the human rights and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people, and their families.”

 

“I welcome this announcement and I look forward to working closely with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner.”

 

​To further enhance the National position, SNAICC called for similar independent and empowered roles to be present in every jurisdiction, providing a national system of oversight to uphold the rights and interests of First Nations children.

 

​“This significant commitment to our children should have bi-partisan support nationally and in all states and territories. Our children deserve this,” Ms Liddle said.