Commissioner for Children and Young People WA

“Promoting the importance of respecting, protecting, and fulfilling children's rights, safety, and wellbeing in the digital environment is crucial for fostering a secure and empowering online space for our future generations.” Together with fellow members of the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates (ANZCCGA), we have raised concerns surrounding the social media ban for individuals under 16 years old. Children and young people have the right to have a say in matters that affect them. The voices and rights of children and young people should never be overlooked. View the ANZCCGA joint statement on the social media ban: https://bit.ly/3COd87r

I feel so grateful to have attended Wednesday’s pōwhiri at Waiwhetū Marae. Warmly welcomed by Te Āti Awa. A special Koha (Gift). ❤ It has been a week of inspiration, collaboration and also reflection. It important that we take the time to come together to inspire the growth of our shared priorities as Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates for children and young people. I have enjoyed my time in New Zealand and am looking forward to getting back to WA to share my learnings with my team. Photo credit: Hagen Hopkins Photography

It is important that we listen to the voices of young people.   Read the Youth Survey Report to hear what they have to say 👇

Today we launched the ‘Voting Age’ Report 📢 This report highlights the key findings from our ‘Voting Age’ survey where we asked Western Australian young people what they thought about lowering the voting age. I recommend you read this report and to inform yourself on the expressed needs and priorities of young people in WA. Read the full report now -https://bit.ly/3V2VD9W #votingage

Around 84% of Gen Z Australians have used AI, because of this, I felt that it was important to reach out to the young people of WA and hear their views on AI. “I think AI brings a lot of opportunities for younger people, particularly in terms of the increased productivity it can bring” “It can help me with some of my assignments, giving me creative ideas when I do my projects at school.” “It’s so unpredictable” “Some people are definitely concerned about cyber bullying and threats online” Watch the video to hear more views of young Western Australians on the future of AI.

The Australian and New Zealand Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates (ANZCCGA) are meeting this week in Wellington, New Zealand. With a shared priority for the wellbeing of Children and Young People, this is an important opportunity for members to come together. Today, I met with representatives from Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu Correspondence School, Kotari te Whakaaro and Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa. It’s been so good to discuss issues that affect children and young people and look at ways we can better advocate for their needs. NZ Police Mana Mokopuna - Children and Young People's Commission ACT Human Rights Commission Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu - The Correspondence School

While I was unable to attend the 34th March Against Domestic and Family Violence in Perth yesterday, my team were there representing me at this important event. Addressing the crowd, Dr Alison Evans, CEO of the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing, said “Silence is what allows people to suffer without recourse”. Well done to Centre for Women's Safety and Wellbeing for organising such a moving, thought provoking event. Let’s keep the conversation going! Visit https://bit.ly/3YpwM0O for more information on support and the campaign. 

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and it also marks the start of the 16 Days in WA campaign. I encourage everyone to attend the 34th March Against Domestic and Family Violence today at Forrest Chase, Perth. Visit https://bit.ly/3YpwM0O for more information on how you can take action in your life.

Yesterday’s release of the Family Matters report by SNAICC - National Voice for our Children once again shows that the child protection system continues to fail Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, exposing them to ongoing harm and trauma.   There are 22,908 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care, which represents 41% of all children in out-of-home care, despite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children making up only 6% of the total child population in Australia.   WA stats 👉 WA performed either poorly or very poorly in the Family Matters Report Card which compares the states and territories 👉WA was the worst in the nation for overrepresentation of children in out of home care and third-party parental responsibility orders. 👉In the 2023-2024 financial year in WA there were 5326 children in care, almost 60% (3178) of these children and young people are Aboriginal.   We must do better and invest in early intervention and support services for WA children and families.

ANROWS has produced over 20 research reports on children and young people’s unique experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence. Yesterday on World Children’s Day, they launched “In their own right: Actions to improve children and young people’s safety from domestic, family and sexual violence. This is a guide to the common policy recommendations made across their reports. They want people at all levels of the Australian Government to use it to create and advocate for more consistent and effective policy responses for children and young people. I stand by them in the hope of "building a society where children are safe is everyone’s business". Link: https://lnkd.in/gDjrYG-v