Australian Children will benefit from National Commissioner for Children & Young People

Catholic Welfare Australia endorses the announcement today by Labor committing to a National Commission for Children and Young People.

The establishment of a National Agenda for Early Childhood has been keenly sought by Catholic Welfare Australia for many years and was reiterated in its response to Minister Larry Anthony’s Consultation Paper “Towards the Development of a National Agenda for Early Childhood” mid last year.

“In providing a range of parenting education, counselling and other family services, Catholic Welfare Australia Member Organisations witness first hand the importance of building parenting skills and support systems for families under stress,” said the Executive Director of Catholic Welfare Australia, Mr Frank Quinlan. “Supporting parents and families in their role as care givers and nurturers must be a fundamental feature of the work of the proposed Commission.”

“Getting a tangible, long-term strategy in place to ensure the future of Australia’s children is absolutely essential,” said Mr Quinlan. “One of the key benefits we would see in establishing a National Commissioner would be reducing the number of children living in poverty and in jobless households.”

“The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has alerted us to the fact that children living in poor families are more likely to have behavioural disorders, have psychiatric problems, have higher injury rates, are likely to be hospitalised more frequently, have a higher prevalence of obesity and have worse dental health than other children,” he said. “This is totally unacceptable and it will require a whole of government approach to address these issues.”

“It would also be hoped that a National Commission would operate as a means of monitoring and coordination,” said Mr Quinlan. “There can and should be no buck passing between State/Territory and Federal Governments when it comes to the health and wellbeing of our children.”

“We would hope that a National Commission would consult widely with not only Government and academic bodies but families and not-for-profit organisations such as ours,” said Mr Quinlan. “If a coordinated range of services is made available to families early enough, our services can concentrate on preventing problems rather than picking up the pieces once the damage is done.”

Media inquiries to: Jackie Brady on 02) 62851366 or 0417 220 779