Joint Standing Committee hears voices of Aboriginal children and young people

The findings of the recent consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people were discussed in detail today with the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on the Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Acting Commissioner Jenni Perkins said that today’s briefing was a further opportunity to promote the views expressed by 1,271 children and young people who took part in this landmark consultation.

“The reports from this consultation were tabled in Parliament last month on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, and since then I have been focused on ensuring that decision makers and those working with children and young people are aware of the consultation and its findings,” Ms Perkins said.

A briefing was held for senior executives across government whose agencies work directly with children and young people and similar briefings for the non-government sector are planned for later this year.

“I am very pleased with the positive response to the reports from this consultation and look forward to continuing to work across the community to ensure that real outcomes are achieved for WA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.”

The joint committee of Parliament, chaired by Lisa Baker MLA, oversees the work of the Commissioner for Children and Young People.