New Commissioner to foster change for First Nations children

The Federal Government has appointed Australia’s first National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.

Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter will commence the role later this year.

A proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, Ms Hunter brings over 20 years of experience in the family services sector, including senior roles at SNAICC – National Voice of Our Children, the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) and as a frontline social worker. She was a Commissioner and Deputy Chair of the Yoorook Justice Commission.

She will replace Lil Gordon who has performed the role of Acting Commissioner since January this year. The Government sincerely thanks Ms Gordon for her service.

“First Nations children and young people are the heirs to 65,000 years of continuous culture and heritage. We must ensure they can grow up connected to their family, community, culture, and Country,” Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek said.

“Recent data shows us that the over-representation of First Nations children in out-of-home care is worsening in many parts of the country. This is unacceptable, and the Government recognises we must do better.

“We created this Commissioner role to ensure the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are not just heard, but are amplified.

“Sue-Anne is an inspiring, highly qualified and highly respected First Nations leader. Most importantly, she’s truly dedicated to creating better futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Ms Hunter has been tasked with hearing from children and young people on the issues which directly affect them.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said Ms Hunter would be a fierce advocate for First Nations children and young people as Commissioner.

“The number of First Nations children in out-of-home care and youth detention is deeply distressing and will take a collective effort to turn the figures around, Senator McCarthy said.

“Under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap all governments have committed to reducing these rates, and states and territories must redouble their efforts.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more than 10 times more likely to be in out-of-home care compared to non-Indigenous children and 27 times more likely to be in youth detention.