National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026

# National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 ## What it does This bill creates a new National Commissioner role dedicated to looking after the wellbeing and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. The Commissioner will investigate issues affecting these kids, give advice to government, and report publicly on what needs to change. ## Why it matters Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children face higher rates of poverty, health problems, and involvement with the justice system than other Australian kids. Having a dedicated Commissioner means there's now one person whose job is specifically to speak up for them and push for better outcomes. ## Key details - **The Commissioner's powers**: They can run their own inquiries into problems affecting these children, or investigate matters the Minister refers to them. They can also advise on laws and policies that affect these kids. - **Independence**: The Commissioner works independently from government and reports publicly—so their findings can't be buried or ignored by politicians. - **Who it covers**: The bill applies across all of Australia, including external territories, and works alongside state and territory laws rather than overriding them.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament