THE ACT government is set to introduce legislation to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner.

The government says the role was co-designed with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to ensure it meets community needs.

Human Rights Minister Tara Cheyne said the commissioner will have a clear mandate to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the ACT, both individually and at a systematic level, to promote their rights and wellbeing.

“The Bill includes an explicit requirement for the commissioner to focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people from a cultural standpoint and recognises the importance of connectedness – to family, community, culture and Country – as critical to best interests, as proposed in the co-design process,” Cheyne said.

The commissioner’s role will include the ability for them to intervene on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in relation to decisions that will affect their rights or interests, such as care and protection matters in the Children’s Court.

Funding for the role has been allocated as part of the 2022-23 Budget, with the ACT government committing more than $3.5 million to establish and staff the commissioner and their office.

Following passage of the legislation, the government will initiate a national recruitment process in collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for the appointment of the inaugural commissioner.

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