About
Who We Are
Office of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner
The Office of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children & Young People Commissioner is an independent office that advocates for the rights and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the ACT.
About the Commissioner
Barbara Causon PSM is the Acting Commissioner of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. Vanessa is a proud Bundjualung Widubal-Wiabul woman. She has qualifications in law and social work and is a human rights advocate, Fulbright scholar and author.
The Role of the Commissioner:
In response to the final Our Booris, Our Way (2019) report, which recommended establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner, the ACT Government agreed to work with the community. A co-design process was facilitated by the Jumbunna Institute which considered the roles, functions, governance, relationships, and appointment process for the Commissioner. This collaboration resulted in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner Act 2022.
The Commissioner’s functions are:
- To advocate on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, individually and collectively.
- To intervene on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in relation to decisions that will affect their rights or interests, including in relevant court proceedings.
- To inquire into matters relating to the rights, development, safety, and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
- To promote the enjoyment by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and their families, of their rights.
- To advise the government about policy, services, and other matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and their families.
- Any other function given to the Commissioner under this Act or another Territory law.
In carrying out these functions, the Commissioner must:
- Consult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and their families in ways that promote their participation in decision-making.
- Listen to and seriously consider the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
- Ensure the Commissioner is accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
- Engage regularly with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.