Inquiry into the Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026

The Australian Human Rights Commission's submission to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee.

Children and youth rights Submission by the Commission

Submission summary

Submitted date: 22 May 2026
Subject: Children and youth rights

The Australian Human Rights Commission's submission to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee.

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The Australian Human Rights Commission made this submission to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee in relation to its inquiry into the Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026. The Bill proposes significant changes to how the child protection system works, undermining the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle. This change is likely to worsen outcomes and increase over-representation in out-of-home care.