In the Commissioner’s conversations and interactions with children and young people across SA, she has heard their concerns about the services that affect them and their aspirations and ideas for the future of our State. They have told the Commissioner what they need to live better, more connected, supported, healthier, safer and happier lives. Most of all, they have said that they want to be given the opportunity to have a voice in the decisions that affect them.
While the Commissioner welcome developments that acknowledge and seek to address the impacts of climate change on the health and wellbeing of children and young people, the development of this framework in isolation risks failing to meet its goals due to the current siloed and fragmented nature of health and other relevant services. A broader state-wide plan for improving children’s and young people’s physical and mental health is required to provide an effective environment for the Department to be able to address climate impacts on health in a coherent and broad reaching way.
This submission highlights:
- The impact of climate change on the health of children and young people;
- The need to engage children and young people; and
- The need for an overarching health plan for children and young people.