Mental Health Commission Mental Health Advisory Council

Good morning. I would like to thank the Chair, Mr Barry McKinnon and the Deputy Chair, the Honourable Judy Edwards for inviting me to speak to you today.

In December 2013 I was appointed A/Commissioner for Children and Young People WA under the Commissioner for Children and Young People Act 2006.

The role is one of broad advocacy, representing the needs of all children and young people in Western Australia under the age of 18.

In performing any function under the Act the best interests of children and young people are paramount.

I must also have regard for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Under the Act one of the four guiding principles for my work is that:

The views of children and young people on all matters affecting them should be given serious consideration and taken into account.

Mine is an independent office and I report directly to Parliament.