Today, Wednesday 1 July, marks a historic turning point for First Nations children as Sue-Anne Hunter, the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, gains her powers.
This milestone follows the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 (the Bill) receiving royal assent earlier this year, establishing the National Commission as a statutory agency from 1 July 2026.
National Commissioner Hunter now holds expanded functions and powers under the new legislation to safeguard and advance the rights, safety, development and overall wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
From today, National Commissioner Hunter can advise the Commonwealth, undertake public advocacy and drive collaborative efforts to identify solutions to systemic issues. These powers also include conducting targeted research and inquiries, as well as developing and commissioning vital educational programs.
National Commissioner Hunter said that today represents a meaningful step forward for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reinforces the purpose of the Bill in reforming the failing systems for future generations.
“For far too long, our governments have acknowledged the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people yet consistently fail to deliver the scale of reform needed to address the persistent disadvantage they experience,” said National Commissioner Hunter.
“The time for listening without action is over. The time for our children’s voices to be heard is now. I accept the full weight of this power and will do everything I can to see a better future for our children.”
This landmark reform represents a significant commitment towards ensuring the rights, wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are not only heard but embedded in national decision-making.
The enactment of the Bill represents years of advocacy and the fruition of long-standing calls from First Nations communities and families for a dedicated, independent agency focused on bettering the lives and futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
“By passing this legislation in March, the Australian Parliament voted to enshrine in law an independent National Commissioner. This is not a responsibility I take lightly,” said National Commissioner Hunter.
“The National Commission has been established because our children and young people deserve better. They deserve governments that move beyond promises and deliver lasting change. They deserve the right to a better future.”
The National Commission Act provides the National Commissioner with the functions and powers to protect and promote the cultural identity and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
National Commissioner Hunter will uphold the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people through the promotion of several human rights instruments and treaties, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, alongside alignment with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and principles.
Priorities for National Commissioner Hunter include identifying areas for systems improvement across the child protection and youth justice systems and improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
National Commissioner Hunter will visit and listen directly to communities and champion what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people need to thrive and stay connected to their family, culture and kin.
“My role is to listen to our young people about what they need,” said National Commissioner Hunter.
“Every child is born with the right to grow up safely connected to their family, culture and kin. And we all have the responsibility to ensure First Nations children and young people are front and centre if we are to close the gap in overrepresentation of our kids in out-of-home care and youth justice.”
“Our children have a right to rely on the systems that were purposefully built to support them. Putting it bluntly, our governments are not delivering on this and have been consistently turning a blind eye to what is happening.”
“The only people who are paying the price are First Nations, children and young people.”
“This change won’t happen overnight, but we know what needs to be done to fix it. The countless reports and recommendations – conducted over decades – sit on shelves and gather dust. These reports, informed by communities, hold the answers.”
“Today, we witness genuine change. Today, we begin the path to a better future.”
To learn more about the National Commission, visit: www.ncatsicyp.gov.au