A significant step toward advancing the rights, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people has today been taken with legislation to establish the functions and powers of the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (the National Commission) introduced into Parliament.
The introduction of the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 (the Bill) comes at a pivotal time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth who continue to experience systemic disadvantage and prejudice across the nation.
National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Sue-Anne Hunter, said the functions and powers outlined in the Bill are critical to ensuring the National Commission can drive meaningful and lasting change for Australia’s most vulnerable children.
“The introduction of this Bill is a critical moment for the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Never before has there been a Bill like this that puts our children first,” said National Commissioner Hunter.
“Statistics show that we are at risk of losing another generation to systems that have failed our people for generations. This is a bleak future, and one that we cannot allow for our children.”
“The National Commission’s work is urgent. This legislation gives us the authority and independence we need to push for real progress for our children and their communities.”
The introduction of this Bill comes ahead of the next release of Closing the Gap data, which, for more than a decade, has consistently shown that outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are stagnating or in some cases, worsening.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children remain over-represented in child protection and youth detention systems, and experience disproportionately high rates of incarceration, family separation and suicide.
“Since colonisation, many systems designed to protect children and young people have instead been tools of dispossession and disconnection. As a result, our young children are growing up disconnected from their Culture, family and community,” said Commissioner Hunter.
“We know that strong identity, connection to Country and being supported by community are some of the most powerful ways for our young people to stay safe and well. Our legislation recognises this and ensures all our work will be delivered in a manner that is grounded in the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
Crucially, the Bill reinforces the Commission’s independence from Government, ensuring it can advocate for the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children without political interference.
“This legislation is essential in ensuring we can function as a fully independent agency and advocate for meaningful change that prioritises the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and not political agendas,” said National Commissioner Hunter.
“For too long, little happens when there is slow progress on commitments made to our children. This Bill clearly outlines how the National Commission can drive greater accountability for the systems supporting our kids and community.”
The introduction of the Bill into Parliament follows months of collaboration between the National Commissioner and the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek.
“This moment marks a change in our history – a time our people have successfully worked with the Government to deliver on a commitment made. That is no small feat.”
“I want to thank the Albanese Government for making this investment to protect the futures of our children and young people. This will change lives.”
“It is time for change. It has always been up to us and we are excited to get to work to change the state of Aboriginal Affairs for our young people. Enough is enough.”
As the Bill begins to move through Parliament, the National Commissioner is urging politicians from across the political spectrum to consider the opportunity that is in front of them.
“Our children have bright futures, but too often those futures are limited by the systems that fail them,” said National Commissioner Hunter.
“This legislation gives Parliament a rare opportunity to deliver meaningful change, establishing a strong, independent National Commission with full powers to protect and advance the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.”
“The opportunity is clear – the choice now rests with Parliament.”
The National Commission is committed to ensuring this legislation passes through Parliament. For more information on the National Commission, visit the National Commission website.