
7am “Yarning with Youth”: our new Commissioner for Aboriginal kids
Feb 19, 2026
Sue-Anne Hunter, experienced social worker and former Victorian truth-telling commissioner, is now Australia’s first National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. She discusses building national data systems, legal powers to hold governments to account, centering family-led alternatives to removal, and listening directly to young people to shape policy.
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Episode notes
Review Past Inquiries, Build A Data Foundation
- Sue-Anne Hunter will review past inquiries and centralise lessons to avoid repeating ignored recommendations.
- She plans national data harmonisation and youth
Use Legal Powers And Test Policy With Youth
- Use the Commission's statutory powers to compel documents, run inquiries and advise governments early.
- Engage children directly and test policy proposals with youth before implementation.
Work With State Commissioners, Not Override Them
- The Commissioner lacks broad rights of entry to some detention sites but will work with state commissioners who know local contexts.
- National role is positioned as a partner and amplifier, not a bypass of state functions.
