SA appoints a new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People 

A new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People has been appointed by the South Australian Government.

The Commissioner is an independent statutory body created to promote the rights, development and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people in South Australia, and works alongside other independent oversight and advocacy bodies such as the Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Guardian for Children and Young People.

Kaurna, Narungga, Ngadjuri and Ngarrindjeri man Dale Agius has been appointed to the role for a three-year term following the conclusion of two terms in the role by the inaugural appointee April Lawrie.

Mr Agius commenced in the role on 5 April 2025, following a recruitment process led by the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment.

A Kaurna, Narungga, Ngadjuri and Ngarrindjeri man, Mr Agius has more than two decades of experience in strategic leadership and advocacy for Aboriginal children, families and communities.

He has held positions across the public service including the Director of Aboriginal Practice and Partnerships in the Department of Human Services, and the Director of Aboriginal Practice in the Department of Child Protection and has extensive experience in statewide engagement with Aboriginal communities, advocating for inclusive representation and policy reforms.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to outgoing inaugural Commissioner April Lawrie for her strong uncompromising leadership, her relentless commitment to the Holding on to our Future report is a testament of strong principals of social justice for our community,” Mr Agius said.

“I look forward to carrying on the recommendations in that report and bringing together efforts from across government agencies to work towards better initiatives to support the wellbeing and aspirations of Aboriginal children and young people, while keeping the government accountable on efforts for closing the gap and delivering the standards and fairness of equality for the Aboriginal community within South Australia.”

His appointment was announced by Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer, who praised Ms Lawrie for the foundations she laid in the role, championing the rights of Aboriginal children and young people in South Australia with determination and distinction.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Ms Lawrie for her leadership and tireless work and advocacy in the role addressing the rights and wellbeing of South Australia’s Aboriginal children and young people,” he said.

“In particular I would like to highlight her work bringing the Holding on to Our Future report to SA parliament last year, with recommendations for reducing the rates of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, including amendments to the state’s child protection law to support compliance with the full Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.”

“This report is a significant step forward in truth telling and provides a roadmap for change to ensure Aboriginal children grow up safe and connected to family, community and culture, and that their voices are heard. Her championing of this important report will remain as a key contribution in her extensive work as the inaugural Commissioner.”

Minister Boyer then congratulated Mr Agius on his appointment, noting that his leadership, cultural advocacy and community engagement will be critical to his success in this role, and said he looks forward to working with him over the next three years.