We need a federal
minister for children

Why do we need a Federal Minister for Children?

There are a broad range of critical issues facing children and young people, that need to be prioritised.  Multiple systems are currently failing children and at their worst we are seeing this result in the death of children and young people through domestic family violence, 46% under the age of two. Children are often invisible in these cases and need to be recognised as victims, so we can put them at the centre of our responses. We are facing a crisis in the youth justice system, and increasingly the risks and impacts of online exploitation are elevating the trauma that children and young people experience. We cannot continue to allow children and young people to fall through the gaps as the impacts will be destructive and lifelong.

There were over half a million reports of child abuse last year in Australia, equating to, one report of violence, abuse or neglect of a child nearly every minute. It’s clear this is a national Emergency. 

Children are not able to take part in the political process, and the families and systems that should protect them are failing them.  Although, like us there are many advocating for their rights, there is no one at a federal political level representing their needs and elevating their voices. Children have rights to protection from exploitation and abuse, wherever they go, the right to be cared for and have a safe home, and the right to have a say in the decisions that affect them. 

The ongoing impact of this abuse, violence and neglect is traumatising generations. A recent study commissioned by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the federal government, revealed that 62% of Australians have been abused, neglected, or exposed to family violence as children, and most of those who reported experiencing maltreatment also experienced multiple types. That’s almost two thirds of Australians indicating experiences of maltreatment in childhood.

We need to focus on preventing child harm and include overhauling social and health policies, especially those affecting children.  

National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said the results from this study were a wake-up call.

“If this doesn’t trigger urgent action by government to make child wellbeing a national policy priority, then what will?” she asked.  

“We are failing children in this country because we’re not making the issues that are important for child wellbeing our national priority.” 

We are supporting this petition for a Federal Minister for Children and to ensure children and young people’s rights and needs become a national priority. Australians need to take immediate action to prioritise this petition.

Please sign the petition and we’ll ensure that federal government hears your voice for children.