6 February 2026
For the first time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children now have a powerful, dedicated advocate with new legislation empowering the National Commissioner for First Nations children with authority to drive government accountability for improving the lives of children, families and communities.
Life Without Barriers welcomes the federal legislation as a landmark mechanism to help address systemic disadvantage and discrimination faced by First Nations children and young people, including over-representation in child protection and youth justice systems.
The timing of this legislation is critical, 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 than their non-Indigenous peers.
Legislated powers will support the National Commissioner to drive greater accountability and influence systemic change through inquiries, advocacy, research and education, and recommendations to government.
Life Without Barriers congratulates Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter on this powerful step towards better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and reaching critical Closing the Gap targets.
The not-for-profit acknowledges the ongoing advocacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the community-controlled sector who have been calling for an independent, legislated authority for many years.
Life Without Barriers chief executive Claire Robbs said Commissioner Hunter has already been an influential advocate for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
“Our children deserve a strong, independent voice at the national level, and this is a significant step forward,” Ms Robbs said.
“Our belief is this new legislation will be a catalyst for genuine reform and true change. We know that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely to be in out-of-home care, and that there is a strong connection between care and the youth justice system.
“Both Life Without Barriers and through our partnership in Allies for Children, we support the National Commissioner and will be an advocate and partner stiving for transformational change for First Nations children.
“This legislation opens the door to meaningful transformation to ensure our governments are held accountable to follow through on their commitments to children and young people and Closing the Gap targets.”
Life Without Barriers remains committed to working with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children - to transition out-of-home care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to community-controlled organisations.
Media enquiries: media@lwb.org.au
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