News
Children's Rights
Media statement: National survey on understanding and experiences of consent
National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds and Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins have welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a national survey exploring consent education of secondary school students across Australia.
Children's Rights
Proposal to raise the age does not go far enough
All 16 of Australia’s children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates say a commitment by state attorneys-general to develop a proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 does not go far enough. In a joint statement, Australian children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates said...
Children's Rights
Protect children from data surveillance
Even before birth, Australian children are the targets of technology that collects their data and threatens their privacy – but right now we have an opportunity to protect them and future generations. Parents who use pregnancy apps or share ultrasounds on social media can expect information about...
Children's Rights
Children’s commissioners and guardians unite in opposing NT legislation
All fourteen Australian and New Zealand Children’s Commissioners and Guardians (ANZCCG) have united in opposing new legislation introduced by the Northern Territory Government, which proposes to alter the NT’s Youth Justice Act and Bail Act. The commissioners and guardians wrote to NT Chief Minister...
Children's Rights
Governments must prioritise raising the age
National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO have urged all Australian governments to raise the age of criminal responsibility as a matter of priority. A report commissioned by a meeting of Attorneys-General in...
Children's Rights
Children's Commissioner's address at mental health conference
National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds presented the opening address at the 2021 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference. The theme of the conference was NO TURNING BACK: Transforming and Redesigning Policy and Service Delivery.
Children's Rights
Towards a National Child Wellbeing Strategy
Speech by National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds to the Parliamentary Friends of Early Childhood Thanks for this opportunity to share some reflections on my vision for early childhood policy. I would first like to acknowledge the traditional owners – Ngunnawal and Ngambri people – and pay my...
