Australia’s Children’s Commissioner has called for the establishment of a dedicated Cabinet Minister for Children, citing escalating concerns over child safety and systemic failures in the childcare sector.
In a recent statement, the Commissioner emphasized that recent misconduct allegations involving childcare workers represent only a fraction of the broader issues affecting children’s welfare. These concerns include inadequate oversight, fragmented accountability, and slow responses to child protection breaches.
“We’re seeing the tip of the iceberg,” the Commissioner warned, urging immediate structural reform to prioritize children’s rights and safety.
The proposed Cabinet Minister for Children would serve as a central figure responsible for coordinating child-related policies across education, health, justice, and social services. The role would aim to:
- Ensure cross-sector accountability
- Drive proactive child protection policies
- Advocate for child-centric legislation and funding
This call comes amid growing public and sector pressure for stronger leadership and transparency in addressing child abuse risks within institutional settings.
The proposal aligns with recent findings from the NSW childcare inquiry, which revealed serious breaches in child safety protocols and highlighted the need for centralized oversight. Advocates argue that a ministerial role could help close regulatory loopholes and embed child well-being at the heart of government decision-making.
Reference:
Children’s Commissioner Calls For Cabinet Minister For Children