Allies Statement - A National Commissioner for First Nations Children and Young People
‘A strong example of the need for First Nations leadership’
13 February 2024
Allies for Children commends the Federal Government on the historic appointment of a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.
The appointment has the potential to revolutionise the out-of-home care and child protection system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and reduce the distressing over-representation of First Nations Children in the criminal justice system
“There is no greater impact the Federal government could make to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children than the appointment made today”
- Claire Robbs, CEO of Life Without Barriers
“On the anniversary of the National Apology, we acknowledge that we have failed as a nation to uphold the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and we will continue to do so if First Nations leadership are not at the table in driving solutions in community.”
“Advocates and peak bodies have been calling for radical and immediate change in the sector to address the gross over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system.”
“We are encouraged to see the Government listen and importantly, act on this expert advice.”