National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
13 January 2025 – present
Independent body headed by the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People that promotes and advocates for the rights and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, including those in contact with child protection and youth justice systems.
How it came into existence
Began operating on 13 January 2025 as an executive agency in the Social Services portfolio, with Sue-Anne Hunter as the inaugural National Commissioner; the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Act 2026 (No. 14, 2026) then established it as a statutory agency.
Legislation: National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Act 2026
Changes during its life
- 1 July 2026Became a statutory agency, with the National Commissioner a statutory office holder, on the commencement of the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Act 2026.
Main functions
- Advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
- Systemic inquiries and reviews
- Advice to governments on laws, policies and programs
- Elevating the voices of children, young people and communities
- Reporting to the Minister and Parliament
Where it sits
In the portfolio of Department of Social Services.
- Type of body
- Non-corporate Commonwealth entity
- Portfolio
- Social Services
- Accountable authority
- National Commissioner – National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Act 2026 section 33(3)(b)
- ABN
- 45 862 529 915
Lineage
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Sources
Primary sources
- List of Commonwealth entities and companies under the PGPA Act, 1 July 2026 (Department of Finance)
- Australian Government Organisations Register (Department of Finance, data.gov.au) (listed from 29 May 2025 to the latest release (30 June 2026))
- National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Act 2026 (Federal Register of Legislation)
Government records and websites
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.