Commissioner McLean hosted members of the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates (ANZCCGA) in Hobart for a biannual meeting, February 20 to 21, 2024.
Commissioner McLean said the opportunity to host this biannual meeting in Hobart came at a critical time.
“Tasmania’s efforts were in the spotlight as Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates for children from all Australian states and territories as well as NZ were briefed on the state of play for the safety and wellbeing of children in Tasmania,” Ms McLean said.
“This included hearing from Government representatives about the implementation of Commission of Inquiry recommendations, reforms to Tasmania’s Youth Justice system, as well as hearing about Tasmania’s implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.”
The ANZCCGA group meets twice a year and aims to promote and protect the safety, wellbeing and rights of children and young people in Australia and New Zealand.
Ms McLean said the group strives to ensure that the best interests of children and young people are considered in public policy and program development.
A joint statement on Isolation in Youth Detention was ratified at the meeting and can be read here.
Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates, pictured above, also benefited from the opportunity to visit piyura kitinia (Risdon Cove) where they were graciously hosted by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, sharing beautiful food and hearing about the rich and ongoing connection the Aboriginal community share with this place.