The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to better protecting children and young people across Tasmania.

We have always seen the role of the Commissioner of Children as being pivotal to providing strong advocacy support for children and young people, and now we are moving to strengthen the position.

The legislation that I will table today will expand the functions, extend the powers and improve the independence of the Office of Commissioner for Children and Young People.

This Bill reflects the recommendations of the Advocacy for Children in Tasmania Committee (ACTC) Report, one of which was to provide a greater oversight role for the Commissioner.

It will increase the independence of the Commissioner for Children by having the statutory position report to the Parliament rather than the Minister and lengthening the period of appointment to up to five years.

The Commissioner will also be able to undertake own motion inquiries, with significant discretion in how inquiries are conducted, including the use of public hearings and calls for submissions.

The Liberal Government has been working to strengthen this position from day one.

When we came to government, we advertised the position with a term of five years, instead of three, with a strengthened Statement of Duties that made clear that changes were being made across the scope and responsibility of the role.

Mr Mark Morrissey was appointed in October last year and has made significant inroads into building positive relationships and working collaboratively across government and the community sector.

Today, I am also pleased to be tabling the 2014-15 Annual Report of the Commissioner for Children, which demonstrates that his office is taking a lead role in engaging with service providers and also young people themselves.

Importantly, the Commissioner is also providing his expertise by being a leading member of our Child Protection Redesign Reference Group, which I established to implement a comprehensive redesign of child protection services in Tasmania based on international and national best practice.

As the Commissioner for Children and Young People Bill demonstrates, the Liberal Government is committed to improving the safety and education and social outcomes for Tasmania’s children and young people.
Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Human Services