Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that a new position of National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people will be created this year.
The prime minister said that the commissioner will address the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care, as well as keep First Nations children safe.
"[The new commissioner] will be dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights, interests and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people, as well as calling on their strengths, sense of hope and ideas for change," he said.
CEO of Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Catherine Liddle has welcomed the announcement.
“Our sector and our communities have been calling for a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children for many years, to tackle the over-representation of young people in out-of-home care and youth detention.
Ms Liddle says that the appointment of a new Commissioner will help in addressing the Closing the Gap targets.
“The National Commissioner will be the champion, the voice and facilitator for our children, young people and families, and who will hold governments to account.
“They will help turn the tide of our children being over-represented in out of home care, and one of the key targets under Closing the Gap.
“They will be able to investigate and make strong recommendations on issues impacting our children, ensuring their safety and rights are upheld.
"They will be dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights, interests and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people, as well as calling on their strengths, sense of hope and ideas for change," she said.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Peter Dutton has again pushed for a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse of Indigenous children in Indigenous communities, despite backlash from child safety experts and organisations.
"The prime minister has today announced the establishment of a national commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people," Mr Dutton said.
"The findings of a royal commission would certainly support the national commissioner."
rejected his proposal for the Royal Commission.
