2025-26 Snapshot

7,770 WA children and young people were consulted on issues that affect them. More than 7,300 of those were in-person consultations, with the remainder online via surveys or digital submissions.
Strong focus on youth justice, poverty and mental health in meetings, speeches, presentations and media.
20 submissions made to state and federal inquiries and projects.
Speaking Out Survey 2025: we travelled the state and engaged with more than 17,000 children and young people during the 2025 calendar year. Almost 50 schools were visited in the 2025-26 financial year as we finished our in-person surveys throughout WA.
Increased positive media presence and media coverage (both statewide and national) on a range of important issues affecting children and young people.
Appeared at the Senate Inquiry into Australia's youth justice and incarceration system Perth hearing alongside Eamon Ryan, WA Inspector of Custodial Services. This followed on from hearings held during the last financial year alongside fellow Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates from around Australia.
In February 2026, the Commissioner was awarded a Doctorate of the University Honoris Causa from Edith Cowan University in recognition of her significant contribution to education, Aboriginal affairs, child protection and advocacy for children and young people.

These include:

Policy recommendations and advocacy following the release of the results of the Speaking Out Survey.
Responsibilities under section 19f of the Commissioner for Children and Young People Act 2006 in relation to the child protection system.
Building on our collaboration with children and young people through focus groups, forums and online engagement to inform laws, policies, practices, procedures and services affecting them.
Continued engagement to progress the National Framework for the Protection of Australian Children (Safe and Supported), including a significant focus on implementing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan.
Continuing the collaborative work across government agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Supporting agencies in developing child-safe complaints handling processes.
Sponsoring initiatives that support the achievements of children and young people.
Ensuring that the voices of children and young people are at the centre of the work we do every day.