SNAICC welcomes Gordon as acting national commissioner

The National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young people (SNAICC) has welcomed Lil Gordon as its Acting Commissioner.

“The commencement of the Commission is a pivotal step in realising a voice and facilitator for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, ensuring their ensure the safety and protection,” chairperson Aunty Muriel Bamblett said.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children are almost eleven times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children and 29 times more likely to be in youth detention, and trends are increasing.

“Our sector, communities and families are sick of seeing our children enter the out-of-homecare and juvenile justice systems. The Commissioner is a vital tool to reverse increasing trends for our children by holding government to account,” Ms Bamblett said.

New acting commissioner Lil Gordon.

“To ensure this accountability role for our children’s rights is in place, it is critical the ongoing role of a National Commissioner is appointed by Government as soon as possible.

“We commend the government on their commitment to progress legislation that will give the National Commissioner the powers, independence and authority that the role requires. We encourage the government to ensure this legislation is urgently progressed.”