Canberra
The Gillard Government today announced the appointment of Ms Megan Mitchell as Australia's first National Children's Commissioner.
The Government congratulates Megan Mitchell on this important and historic appointment.
The Gillard Government is establishing a dedicated advocate for children and young people at a national level as part of our commitment to giving kids the best start in life.
Ms Mitchell is a strong voice for vulnerable children in her current role as New South Wales Commissioner for Children and Young People and she will bring that experience to the national stage
We want every child to grow up safe, happy and well. The new Commissioner will make sure the needs of children and young people are put front and centre.
Importantly, Ms Mitchell will have a clear focus on vulnerable or at-risk groups of children, such as children with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, homeless children or those who are witnessing or subjected to violence.
The appointment of the National Commissioner is a key achievement under the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009-2020.
The work of the former Attorney-General Nicola Roxon MP in establishing Australia's first ever National Children's Commissioner was acknowledged by the Government.
The National Children's Commissioner will sit within the Australian Human Rights Commission, Australia's national independent statutory body dealing with human rights.
The Commissioner will promote public discussion and awareness of issues affecting children; conduct research and education programs; consult directly with children and representative organisations; and examine Commonwealth legislation, policies and programs that relate to children's human rights
The ACT Children & Young People Commissioner, Mr Alasdair Roy, ran a series of sessions in the ACT with students between the ages of 9 and 11 as part of the selection process.
Ms Mitchell has been appointed as National Children's Commissioner for a period of five years commencing 25 March 2013.