Tasmania has introduced a Bill in the House of Assembly aimed at establishing a new Commission for Children and Young People. This initiative builds upon the functions of the existing Commissioner for Children and Young People and incorporates the Independent Regulator of the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework. The proposed Commission will comprise three Commissioners, each focusing on distinct areas to enhance advocacy and oversight.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, emphasised that the Commission will strengthen Tasmania’s oversight system and serve as a robust advocate for children and young people. He noted that the Bill underwent extensive stakeholder and community consultation in late 2024, leading to significant amendments addressing the feedback received. The implementation of the Commission will occur in stages, aligning with the timing of the Commission of Inquiry recommendations to ensure an effective transition.
The Commission’s general functions will include recommending system improvements to the Government, conducting inquiries into systemic issues, promoting the safety and wellbeing, rights, and participation of children and young people, monitoring and reviewing their wellbeing, care, and treatment in out-of-home care or the youth justice system, and including data and information about serious incidents. The Commissioner for Children and Young People will lead this new agency. Additionally, the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People will focus on advocating for the rights and welfare of Aboriginal children and young people, while the Child Advocate will concentrate on individual advocacy and developing an independent community visitor scheme to support children and young people in out-of-home care and the youth justice system.
This legislative move reflects Tasmania’s commitment to enhancing child protection and ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard and acted upon. The establishment of the Commission is a step towards a more cohesive and transparent oversight system for children’s safety, addressing past recommendations and aiming for a more integrated approach to child welfare.
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