Australia’s children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates, a collective group dedicated to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children and young people across the nation, are urging all Australians to recognise the profound impact that the Voice Referendum has on all youth, particularly on our First Nations children and young people.
WA Commissioner Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasised the significance of the Voice Referendum, and stressed the importance of conducting all discussions and debates regarding the referendum with the utmost care, compassion, and mindfulness.
“The words spoken and the manner in which they are conveyed can have a profound impact on children and young people, potentially causing harm,” said Commissioner Jacqueline McGowan-Jones.
“Words have the power to heal, but they also have the power to harm,” said Ms McGowan-Jones.
“We understand that what is said, and how it is said, can have lasting effects on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of our children and young people. We must ensure that the discourse surrounding the Voice Referendum – and in its aftermath – is respectful and considerate of the profound impact it holds for our nation’s future generations.”
The Australian Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates call upon all Australians to engage in discussions surrounding the Voice Referendum with respect, empathy and a commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious society for all – regardless of an individual’s plan to vote Yes or No.
For more information about the Commissioner, Guardian or Advocate in your state, visit:
ACT: ACTkids.act.gov.au
NT: occ.nt.gov.au
NSW: acyp.nsw.gov.au
QLD: qfcc.qld.gov.au and publicguardian.qld.gov.au
SA: ccyp.com.au and cacyp.com.au
TAS: childcomm.tas.gov.au
VIC: ccyp.vic.gov.au
WA: ccyp.wa.gov.au
National: humanrights.gov.au/our-work/childrens-rights
Endorsed by the Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates for Australian children and young people
Barbara Causon
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Advocate, Australian Capital Territory
Jodie Griffiths-Cook
Children and Young People Commissioner, Australian Capital Territory
Nicole Hucks
Acting Children’s Commissioner, Northern Territory
April Lawrie
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, South Australia
Helen Connolly
Commissioner for Children and Young People, South Australia
Shona Reid
Guardian for Children and Young People, South Australia
Leanne McLean
Commissioner for Children and Young People, Tasmania
Anne Hollands
Australian National Children’s Commissioner
Nicholas Dwyer
A/Public Guardian, Office of the Public Guardian Queensland
Luke Twyford
Principal Commissioner, Queensland Family and Child Commission
Natalie Lewis
Commissioner, Queensland Family and Child Commission
Liana Buchanan
Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People Victoria
Meena Singh
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Victoria
Shannon Thorne
Advocate for Aboriginal Children and Young People News South Wales
Zoë Robinson
Advocate for Children and Young People New South Wales
Jacqueline McGowan-Jones
Commissioner for Children and Young People, Western Australia
Media contact
Ruth Noonan, Manager Engagement and Communications, 0434 327 804
info@ccyp.wa.gov.au
About Australia’s children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates:
Australia’s children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates are a collective group dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights and wellbeing of children and young people across the nation. Comprising experts and leaders in child advocacy, they collaborate on initiatives that empower and support children and young people in Australia.
Quotes attributable to the Commissioner:
“The words spoken and the manner in which they are conveyed can have a profound impact on children and young people, potentially causing harm.”
“Words have the power to heal, but they also have the power to harm.”
“We understand that what is said, and how it is said, can have lasting effects on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of our children and young people. We must ensure that the discourse surrounding the Voice Referendum – and in its aftermath – is respectful and considerate of the profound impact it holds for our nation’s future generations.”
