The federal government has appointed Australia's first permanent National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.
Late on Sunday, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, and Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, announced Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter will take on the role, commencing later this year.
A proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, Professor Hunter brings more than 20 years of experience in the family services sector, including senior roles at SNAICC – National Voice of Our Children, the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), and as a social worker.
She was a Commissioner and Deputy Chair of Victoria's Yoorrook Justice Commission; Australia's first truth-telling commission.
Professor Hunter will replace Lil Gordon who has performed the role of Acting Commissioner since January. The Minister's said the new Commissioner "has been tasked with hearing from children and young people on the issues which directly affect them".
Professor Hunter said: "I am honoured to accept this appointment as Australia's Inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People's Commissioner with the responsibility to ensure our systems are working to protect the wellbeing, rights and interests of children and young people."
"I recognise that we are at risk of losing another generation to systems that fail them, to removal, out of home care detention and a bleak future," she said.
"The work is urgent and the statistics are grim. But our children are not statistics, they are our future. This role will elevate their voices and their concerns. They will be at the centre of everything I do."
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more than 10 times more likely to be in out-of-home care compared to non-Indigenous children and 27 times more likely to be in youth detention.
Recent releases from the Productivity Commission show Closing the Gap Target 12 - to reduce the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care - is not on track to be met and is getting worse.
The federal government described the status quo as "clearly unacceptable" and vowed to work with the states and territories to "make sure children have the best start in life".
As the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Professor Hunter will "drive change to dismantle barriers faced by First Nations children and young people", the Ministers said.
The federal government reiterated in a statement on Sunday that it is working in partnership with state and territory governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to deliver "Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2021-2031".
Senator McCarthy said Professor Hunter will be "a fierce advocate for First Nations children and young people as Commissioner, and I look forward to working with her".
"The number of First Nations children in out-of-home care and youth detention is deeply distressing and will take a collective effort to turn the figures around," she said.
"Under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap all governments have committed to reducing these rates, and states and territories must redouble their efforts.
"I commend SNAICC for their lengthy advocacy for the establishment of a Commissioner position to ensure First Nations children's rights are respected and protected. I also thank Lil Gordon for her work as Acting Commissioner."
Noting that Monday, August 4, is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, Ms Plibersek said the day is "an important reminder that more work must be done to ensure that First Nations children have the same opportunities as every other child in this country".
"Recent data shows us that the over-representation of First Nations children in out-of-home care is worsening in many parts of the country. This is unacceptable, and the Government recognises we must do better," she said.
"We created this Commissioner role to ensure the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are not just heard, but are amplified.
"Sue-Anne is an inspiring, highly qualified and highly respected First Nations leader. Most importantly, she's truly dedicated to creating better futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
"The appointment of Sue-Anne Hunter as the inaugural Commissioner marks a huge step towards creating a future Australia where every child, no matter their culture, grows up safe and supported."
