New laws aim to strengthen National Commissioner’s role for Indigenous children

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According to recent reports, First Nations children in Australia are 27 times more likely to be in youth detention and 10 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children. Source: SBS

The Federal Government has introduced legislation to formalise and strengthen the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, following Sue-Anne Hunter’s historic appointment. The move aims to boost accountability as disparities persist, with First Nations children 27 times more likely to be in youth detention and 10 times more likely to be in out-of-home care. Critics warn limited federal enforcement powers could weaken the role’s real-world impact.

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Published 11 February 2026 11:43am

By Briana Charles

Presented by Vrishali Jain

Source: SBS

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The Federal Government has introduced legislation to formalise and strengthen the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, following Sue-Anne Hunter’s historic appointment. The move aims to boost accountability as disparities persist, with First Nations children 27 times more likely to be in youth detention and 10 times more likely to be in out-of-home care. Critics warn limited federal enforcement powers could weaken the role’s real-world impact.

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