What We Heard report released in Tasmania 

The What We Heard Report has been released in Tasmania, consolidating key themes and insights from the consultation of the draft Commission for Children and Young People Bill 2024.

Valuable feedback from a diverse range of individuals and organisations formed the basis of the report and will help to inform the development of the Bill, Tasmania’s Attorney-General Guy Barnett said.

The new Commission, he continued, will be “a fearless advocate, working to safeguard children and young people’s rights and hold organisations accountable for child-safe practices.”

“The Tasmanian Government is progressing this critical reform and ensuring the voices of children and young people are valued and protected now and into the future,” he continued. 

The establishment of a statutory Commission for Children and Young People is also one of the key recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.

“This report and its findings will ensure the voices of children and young people are listened to, respected, and acted upon by the Commission as a fearless advocate,” the Attorney General added.

“We sincerely thank all those who contributed – especially children and young people, victim-survivors, and foster and kinship carers. Their willingness to share their lived experiences has been invaluable in ensuring this legislation meets the needs of those it seeks to protect.”

The Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the first half of this year.

The What We Heard Report can be accessed here.