Australia's new National Children's Commissioner, Deb Tsorbaris, says the nation must seize the opportunity to deliver real change for children and families, as she today begins her five-year term.
Commissioner Tsorbaris is a leading figure in children's rights, with decades of experience working with children, families and communities to improve wellbeing and access to support. She was previously Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, the peak body for more than 200 child and family services in Victoria and Tasmania. During her 12 years in the role, she drove policy, advocacy and program development.
'Every child has the right to be safe, healthy and supported, and every family deserves the confidence that these rights will be upheld,' Commissioner Tsorbaris said.
'We are facing serious challenges, including rising rates of mental health concerns among children, and the distressing, ongoing reports of abuse and mistreatment. These issues necessitate action.
'As the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child makes clear, children must have a voice in decisions that affect them. As Commissioner, I am here to listen to young people, understand what matters to them and help amplify their voices. This is a chance to ensure systems and policies designed to protect children truly work for them and their families.
'Over the coming years, I look forward to working collaboratively with children and their families, support services, my fellow AHRC Commissioners, state and territory children's Commissioners and other child rights experts, and First Nations and grassroots groups across Australia. Together, we can find practical solutions that put children front of mind.
'Human rights are essential to building a fair society and protecting people from harm. Now is the time to make these rights real in everyday life, so every child has the opportunity to thrive.'
