SNAICC – National Voice for our Children has welcomed the announcement of Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter as Australia's first National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle said Ms Hunter, a Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, brings direct experience of the child and family sector to the role.
"We know she will bring a strong and fearless voice as National Commissioner," Ms Liddle said on Monday.
"Having this announcement as we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day (August 4) highlights the importance of having our voices, especially the voices of our children, front and centre if we are to close the gap."
Ms Liddle said the realisation of the National Commissioner role would not have been achieved without the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
"The Agreement gave us the levers to get the long-held aspiration for a National Commissioner committed to by the Federal Government. This is real system-change," she said.
"Commissioner Hunter now needs to be supported by strong legislation that will empower her to help reverse increasing trends of our children entering out-of-home care and youth justice systems.
"It's time we all get serious about protecting, not further punishing, some of the most vulnerable children in the country."
Ms Liddle said an empowered National Commissioner can also "lift aspirations of the states and territories to empower and enact their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Commissioners to make change in the jurisdictions".
SNAICC Chair Muriel Bamblett said Ms Hunter has an "outstanding record" of standing up for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
"She held a leadership role at SNAICC where she advocated strongly for the National Commissioner position, so to see her appointed to a role she worked hard to make a reality is especially gratifying," Ms Bamblett said.
"Her recent role as Yoorrook Justice Commissioner provides her with insight as to the job ahead given the historical impact of child removal.
"The SNAICC Board and Council members extend their congratulations and look forward to working with the new National Commissioner to advance the rights of our children."
