National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People

The establishment of a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People demonstrates Priority Reform Three in action, with the Commonwealth responding to First Nations peoples who have been calling for a dedicated National Commissioner for many years.   

In February 2024, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a legislated, independent and empowered national commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people (National Commissioner). Establishing the National Commissioner is a significant step towards empowering First Nations children and young people. 

"Through shared decision-making processes we have been able to establish strong functions that reflect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sector’s long-held ambition to have a National Commissioner with real authority and real teeth” - Catherine Liddle, Chief Executive Officer, SNAICC

Since the announcement of the National Commission, there has been sustained and meaningful dialogue with community members and policymakers. 

“Having a National Commissioner that will be autonomous, with the power to investigate issues and tackle the over-representation of our young people in out-of-home care and youth detention will be a game changer for many children and families” - Catherine Liddle, Chief Executive Officer, SNAICC

In September 2024, the Commonwealth and the Office for Youth co-hosted a pivotal First Nations Youth Roundtable on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra. This event marked a significant opportunity and milestone for first formal engagement and dialogue among young leaders, community members, and policymakers for the establishment of the National Commission. First Nations young people from the Youth Advisory Group program and the Youth Steering Committee shared their experiences and advice to produce meaningful recommendations for the National Commissioner. The ideas and suggestions shared during the meeting will inform the role, power and functions of the National Commissioner when they take office in January 2025.

The discussions featured insights from members of the Leadership Group, including Catherine Liddle, Natalie Brown (Chair of the Our Booris, Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee), and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts (Inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People in the ACT). Participants also heard from the Hon. Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth, and engaged with senior department executives to inform advice on establishing the National Commissioner.

Lil Gordon was appointed as the Acting National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, as of 13 January 2025 and operations of the Commission commenced on 13 January 2025. 

Find out more about the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.