New Commissioner for Aboriginal children in Victoria

The Victorian Government has appointed Australia’s first Aboriginal Children's Commissioner. The newly-appointed Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, Andrew Jackomos, will focus on reducing the high number of Aboriginal children who are in the justice system or who are at risk of abuse.

Mr Jackomos will oversee a five year plan for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care. He will provide advice to government and service providers about policies and practices that promote the safety and well-being of Aboriginal children.

Mr Jackomos has a long history of advocating for the rights of Aboriginal people and has extensive experience working in Aboriginal affairs and administration.

He was instrumental in developing and implementing the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement and the Koori Court system, and is the director of the Koori Justice Unit.

The Australian Human Rights Commission's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Mick Gooda, described the appointment as a positive and significant development.

“Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families continue to experience trauma because of past actions by government and non-government agencies.

“A dedicated Aboriginal Children's Commissioner will help reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are trapped in the justice system,” Mr Gooda.

The National Children’s Commissioner, Megan Mitchell, also welcomed Mr Jackomos' appointment.

“The creation of this position provides the opportunity to focus on assisting families and communities to keep their children safe in culturally appropriate ways,” Ms Mitchell said.

Source: Australian Human Rights Commission