An independent Children's Commissioner as an advocate for infants and young children is an essential part of any serious commitment to the wellbeing of children.

An Office of Commissioner for Infants and Children would be a permanent, independent statutory authority. The Commissioner would:

• report and be responsible to the national parliament
• advocate for infants, children and young people across the whole government, as well as in the community
• focus on the universal needs of children, as well as addressing identified problems
• gather information about Australia's children
• consult with children and organisations that advocate for them
• influence policymakers about children's rights and needs
• educate the community about children's issues
• monitor government policy and practices relating to children
• be a national voice for children.

The importance of children within Australian society needs to be acknowledged and their rights protected. Children need a person or structure that is independent of government to watch over, safeguard and publicly identify and defend their interests.

Related resources
View these related items:

• Children's rights – principles (Supporting Best Practice)
• Children's rights – UN Convention (CROC) (Supporting Best Practice)
• Questions about children's rights (Supporting Best Practice)
• Defence for Children International's ‘Proposal for a Commissioner for Children and Young People'

Early Childhood Australia has committed to five main issues for its election agenda:

• Climate change and sustainability
  
• Indigenous young children and families
  
• Parenting support
  
• Investment in early childhood
• Children's rights
  

We encourage all those who are involved in the care and education of young children to make your voice heard in the lead-up to this year's federal election.

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