National Children’s Commissioner

On 15 March 2018, the Government announced the re-appointment of Ms Megan Mitchell as Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner. Her two year term started on 25 March 2018.

The Commonwealth Government established a National Children’s Commissioner to help promote the rights, wellbeing and development of children and young people in Australia, and ensure their voices, including those of the most vulnerable, are heard at the national level.

The Australian Human Rights Commission Amendment (National Children’s Commissioner) Act 2012 was passed on 28 June 2012 to establish the National Children’s Commissioner position within the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The establishment of a National Children’s Commissioner was a key achievement of the Advocating Nationally for Children and Young People national priority under the First Three-Year Action Plan of the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020.

The National Children's Commissioner promotes public discussion and awareness of issues affecting children, conducts research and education programs and consults directly with children and representative organisations. The role also examines relevant existing and proposed Commonwealth legislation to determine if it recognises and protects children's human rights in Australia.

The work of the National Children's Commissioner complements the work conducted by state and territory children's commissioners and guardians. The position sits within the Australian Human Rights Commission, Australia's national independent statutory body dealing with human rights.

Last updated: