From today, Sue-Anne Hunter officially becomes Australia's first independent National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.
The role is focused on protecting and promoting the rights of First Nations children and young people.
The milestone comes as new legislation takes effect, giving Commissioner Hunter formal powers to operate independently of the Australian Government.
Here's what you need to know.
Background
The National Commission was established two years ago to support Australia’s targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Closing the Gap is a commitment between federal, state and territory governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to reduce inequality between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians.
The push for a dedicated Commissioner followed years of advocacy from around 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations across Australia.
Advocates have pointed to stark outcomes for First Nations children and young people.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more than 10 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children, and one in three face developmental difficulty.
Of the Closing the Gap targets relating to children and young people, those on development, child protection, safety and justice are all off track.
Changes
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Until now, Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter held the role but could not exercise its powers independently of government.
From today, she can independently:
- Advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
- Hold governments to account for protecting their rights.
- Raise concerns and recommend changes.
- Conduct formal inquiries.
- Engage directly with First Nations communities, organisations and young people.
Hunter told TDA: “We know there is still work to be done to improve outcomes, particularly for children who are being removed from their families and communities. It is essential that our children stay connected.”
What’s next
Hunter says her first priorities are identifying areas for improvement across child protection and youth justice, and improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations children.
Part of her role will include ensuring Australia upholds its international human rights commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
She says she will also visit communities directly to hear what children and young people need.
