The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Social Services
Senator The Hon Malarndirri McCarthy
Minister for Indigenous Australians
Media Release
5 February 2026
Independent Commissioner to boost outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its promise to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people with the introduction of legislation that establishes a dedicated, independent national advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, backed by $33.5 million in new funding.
We know that of the Closing the Gap targets related to children and young people, targets relating to development, child protection, safety and justice are off track. This is unacceptable, and the Albanese Government will work with families and communities, the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People and states and territories to make sure all children have the best start in life.
The National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 will give the National Commissioner functions and powers that are needed to drive greater coordination, accountability and influence systemic issues which are disadvantaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
The new powers will be similar to other Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates including conducting inquiries, making recommendations to government, public advocacy, research, and education. However, this role is the only one at the national level with a sole focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
This Bill ensures the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are at the centre of the Commissioner’s work.
To support this, the Government is investing $33.5 million over four years to help establish the independent National Commissioner as a permanent statutory agency and fully resource its work. A further $8.4 million per year ongoing will support the National Commission’s continued operations.
The legislation for the National Commission delivers on the Government’s commitment and responds to years of advocacy by around 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations from across Australia.
The functions and powers outlined in the Bill were developed in close partnership with the National Commissioner and draw on extensive consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies, leaders, organisations and community representatives.
More information about the National Commission is available from the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People website
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek MP:
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are the heirs to 65,000 years of continuous culture and heritage. Every child deserves the chance to grow up connected to their family, community, culture, and Country.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more than ten times more likely to be in out-of-home care compared to non-Indigenous children, and one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children face developmental difficulty.
“The system is failing too many children. We need to turn that around.
“Today’s announcement means for the first time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people will have an independent advocate at the national level - someone who will engage directly with them, listen to their experiences, and raise their concerns and priorities with governments.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“This legislation further delivers on the Albanese Government’s commitment to establish a dedicated, independent and empowered National Commissioner to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
“The Commissioner’s role is an important one in protecting the rights of First Nations children and young people.
"The legislation gives the Commissioner the powers necessary to advocate for and advance the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children."
Quotes attributable to the National Commissioner, Sue-Anne Hunter:
“This is a historic moment. For too long, children and young people in incarceration and out-of-home care have been spoken about but not listened to.
“After years of advocacy by communities and organisations, this legislation establishes a dedicated, independent national voice and opens the door to real reform.
“This legislation establishes a dedicated, independent National Commission because our children are not statistics, they are our future and their voices must be embedded in the systems and decisions that affect their lives.”
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