National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People gets green light

An independent National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People will be officially operational from 13 January 2024 the Albanese Labor Government has confirmed. 

 

The Commission has now been established as an Executive Agency, an important legislative move, under the Public Service Act 1999 with applications for the role of the National Commissioner to open this month.

 

The National Commissioner will be dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights, interests and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people across a range of issues, including the over representation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care.

 

The Commissioner, a First Nations person, will champion First Nations children’s strengths, sense of hope and ideas for change and will work directly with First Nations children and young people and listen to and amplify their voices, needs and aspirations, along with the broader community.

 

The Commissioner will also work with groups such as the Safe and Supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group, other First Nations leaders, state and territory Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates, as well as the National Children’s Commissioner and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.

 

Policy advice will then be provided from the Commissioner to governments to assist in the implementation of key policy frameworks and coordination.

 

“This is a historic milestone, and one which demonstrates our commitment to shared decision-making through the establishment of a legislated, independent and empowered National Commissioner,” Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said.

 

“The National Commissioner will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, commissioners, guardians, advocates, and other stakeholders to provide expert advice on the development and delivery of policies, programs and services to ensure they meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.”

 

CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children Catherine Liddle said with this step now in place, recruitment for the National Commissioner role was expected to open this month.

 

“Having a National Commissioner that will be autonomous, with the power to investigate issues and tackle the over-representation of our young people in out-of-home care and youth detention will be a game changer for many children and families.

 

“A critical next step will be to progress legislation to further strengthen the powers and independence of the National Commissioner.”

 

“We look forward to the National Commission being officially operational from January 13, 2025, with a National Commissioner ready to start their vital work.”