Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | Hansard source

All children and young people deserve to grow up with their rights, interests and wellbeing protected. Investing in improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people is a priority of this government, and we are committed to closing the gap. The National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 will legislate the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, under new primary legislation. It will be the first permanent statutory agency, independent from government. This is First Nations led, with a dedicated focus on preserving the rights, interests, development, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

The bill empowers the national commissioner to drive greater accountability from the systems that children, young people and families interact with. We are investing $33.5 million over the forward estimates and $8.4 million ongoing to ensure the national commissioner can deliver on their statutory functions and responsibilities.

Legislating an independent national commissioner responds to decades of advocacy by many First Nations leaders, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group's Safe and Supported. When we get it right for children and young people, the entire nation will move forward. I commend this bill to the chamber.