News
Children's Rights
Proposal to raise the age does not go far enough
All 16 of Australia’s children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates say a commitment by state attorneys-general to develop a proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 does not go far enough. In a joint statement, Australian children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates said...
Children's Rights
Protect children from data surveillance
Even before birth, Australian children are the targets of technology that collects their data and threatens their privacy – but right now we have an opportunity to protect them and future generations. Parents who use pregnancy apps or share ultrasounds on social media can expect information about...
Children's Rights
Governments must prioritise raising the age
National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO have urged all Australian governments to raise the age of criminal responsibility as a matter of priority. A report commissioned by a meeting of Attorneys-General in...
Children's Rights
Children's Commissioner's address at mental health conference
National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds presented the opening address at the 2021 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference. The theme of the conference was NO TURNING BACK: Transforming and Redesigning Policy and Service Delivery.
Children's Rights
Towards a National Child Wellbeing Strategy
Speech by National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds to the Parliamentary Friends of Early Childhood Thanks for this opportunity to share some reflections on my vision for early childhood policy. I would first like to acknowledge the traditional owners – Ngunnawal and Ngambri people – and pay my...
Children's Rights
2019 Human Rights Day Oration
The Hon Peter McClellan AM QC 10 December 2019 I recently visited the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima. It is a confronting but moving experience. It is a memorial to the people the allies believed it necessary to kill to win the war. They were also intent on emphasising to the world that they had the...
Children's Rights
Sport as an Enabler of Human (Children’s) Rights - Craig Foster
Child Safe Organisations – Launch of the National Principles 21 August 2019 Sport as an Enabler of Human (Children’s) Rights Craig Foster Putting the child at the centre of sport, now there’s a novel idea. One that presents a direct challenge to the win-at-all-costs mentality. As we will find out...
Children's Rights
Children’s right to safety and a holistic education
Good morning, everyone and thank you for inviting me to be here today to talk to you about the importance of children’s rights. I’d like to begin by also acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, and paying my respects to elders past, present and emerging. I’d also like to acknowledge any...