National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
Protecting and promoting the rights, interests and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people.
About the National Commission
The National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (National Commission) will commence operations on 13 January 2025.
The work of the Commission will help meet the Australian Government’s commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
About the National Commissioner
The National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (National Commissioner) will lead the Commission.
Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will be a priority. The National Commissioner will ensure their voices are reflected in advice to government.
- provide policy advice and leadership to inform key policy frameworks;
- foster relationships and undertake consultations with a range of stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
- coordinate and leverage efforts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, state and territory children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates.
Applications for the role are now open. For more information on the application for the role of the National Commissioner, visit the DSS careers and emploment page.
Updates
Announcement of a New National Commission
13 February 2024
On 13 February 2024, the Prime Minister announced the Government’s commitment to establish a legislated, independent and empowered National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (National Commissioner). This was in response to a key action under the Safe and Supported: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Action Plan 2023-2026 – which seeks to build stronger and empowering futures for First Nations children, young people, families and communities.
This commitment also responds to longstanding calls from First Nations leaders and peak bodies, including:
- SNAICC – National Voice for our Children;
- the Safe and Supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group;
- members of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership.
This aims to build stronger accountability for the outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
Establishment of the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
04 October 2024
On 4 October 2024, the Minister for Social Services, The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, and the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy announced that the Commission will commence as a separate and independent entity within the Social Services portfolio on 13 January 2025.
The inaugural National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People will commence as the head of the Commission from 13 January 2025. Applications for the role are now open and applications close at 11:59pm (AEDT) on Sunday 03 November 2024.
The Commission has been established as an Executive Agency under the Public Service Act 1999. The Executive Order setting out the name and functions of the National Commission was published in the Commonwealth Government Gazette on 26 September 2024.
For more information, read the joint media release.
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