Protecting the rights of children and young people

The submission comments on the Bill to establish the Office of Commonwealth Commissioner for Children and Young People. The establishment of the Office is supported as it could provide an important voice in commenting on Australian jurisdictions’ laws, policies and practices that breach those rights. The submission puts forward the view that the office could provide an avenue for children and young people to contribute to government policy, initiate and conduct investigations and coordinate research outcomes that improve policy and laws for children, particularly for the benefit of the most vulnerable young people in the community.