Human Rights Act a Gamechanger for SA Children and Young People
South Australia’s leaders of the five statutory oversight and advocacy bodies for children and young people have jointly welcomed the SA Parliament’s Social Development Committee report recommending the introduction of a Human Rights Act for South Australia.
The report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday 29 April by the Social Development Committee, was the result of a 16-month inquiry into the effectiveness of current laws and mechanisms for protecting human rights in South Australia.
Children and young people are often overlooked in social policy and the decisions about their own lives, particularly around the impacts of racism, poverty, child justice and child protection. A Human Rights Act is fundamental to promoting children’s rights and ensuring their voices are heard.
The five oversight and advocacy bodies established under the Children and Young People (Oversight and Advocacy Bodies) Act 2016, also collectively support the report’s recommendation to establish a dedicated Human Rights Commissioner with responsibilities for complaints, conciliation, education, and independent advice.
The group consists of:
- Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People, Mimi Crowe
- Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, Dale Agius
- Guardian for Children and Young People, Shona Reid
- Chair, Child Death & Serious Injury Review Committee, Jane Abbey and
- Presiding Member, Child Development Council, Adjunct Professor Victoria Whitington
Read the full release here
