The Commissioner for Children and Young People’s 2023-2024 Annual Report was tabled today in the Tasmania Parliament.
The Annual Report documents former Commissioner for Children and Young People Leanne McLean’s activities and advocacy for and with children and young people, during the final year of her tenure as Commissioner.
Reflecting on highlights of the reporting period, Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People, Isabelle Crompton, noted youth justice remained a major focus during the 2023-2024 year, with efforts on multiple fronts to promote a more equitable and safer youth justice system for current and future generations.
“This included critical advocacy for raising the age of criminal responsibility, influencing the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to raise the age from 10 to 14, in addition to its commitment to raise the age of detention to 16.”
“This Office has recommended earlier delivery of both commitments and will continue to advocate for accelerated child rights-based reforms across the youth justice continuum. Once realised, these promised reforms will be truly nation leading.”
Ms Crompton noted that during the reporting period, the Tasmanian Government received the landmark final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.
The report – Who was looking after me? – documents shameful systemic failures to protect children from harm in government institutions and makes 191 recommendations that must reset the conversation about child safety and wellbeing and how we value our children.
“To truly honour the courage and experiences of the many victim-survivors who shaped the inquiry, and to demonstrate respect for the many who did not participate, it is incumbent on the Tasmanian Government, and indeed our entire community, to effect transformative and sustained change for all children.”
Looking forward, Ms Crompton noted the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to implement the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendation that it establish a new statutory Commission for Children and Young People.
“This new Commission promises strengthened oversight, regulation, advocacy, and inquiry functions and powers to further improve outcomes for children, young people and the entire Tasmanian community. During this period of transition, my Office remains focused on working constructively to ensure changes are informed by and respond to the voices of children and young people and are underpinned by clear, durable legislation and sustainable resourcing.”
Ms Crompton said another clear highlight was the establishment of the Voices for Tasmanian Youth – a Consultative Council formed to influence, consider and respond to the Tasmanian Government’s draft strategy for upholding the rights of children by preventing, identifying and responding to child sexual abuse. “I thank each of the young people from across Tasmania who have powerfully contributed through this group. I have no doubt their shared insights, hard-work and passion for change have contributed to a safer Tasmania for all children and young people.”
COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE REACH
- 123 Visits to young people at Ashley Youth Detention Centre
- 597 Occasions for advocacy support at Ashley Youth Detention Centre
- 47 Meetings with children and young people consultative groups
- 163 Public enquires responded to
- 28 External group memberships
- 29 Official events attended by the Commissioner
- 33 Attendees at world leading investigative training convened by the Commissioner
- 21 Media releases and opinion pieces published
- 40k+ website visits
- 11 Reports and publications released
- 14 Formal submissions made
- 1 Ground-breaking hip-hop track produced with young people in detention
MEDIA CONTACT: A.Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732