Every Child advocacy campaign's response to children's rights report released today
Every Child advocacy campaign's response to children's rights report released today.
Media Statement
10 February 2020
Statement from Dr Kirsty Nowlan, Co-Chair Every Child:
“The Every Child national alliance urges all governments to act on the recommendations made by Commissioner Mitchell.
“Governments view physical infrastructure – the building of bridges, roads, rail and ports – as a top priority. We say infrastructure to support children must be a top nation-building priority.
“A national plan and Minister is a start but is still not enough. We need to turn the volume up on the wellbeing of children and young people in Australia and elevate their needs to a nation-building status.
“We agree with the Commissioner that the increase in neglect and abuse of children is a particularly worrying trend, as is the increase in children living in out of home care.
“The report shows that Indigenous children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with a disability and LGBTI children – are particularly vulnerable. They experience higher levels of developmental challenges and poorer mental health relative to national averages.
“Every Child alliance members praise Commissioner Mitchell for the advocacy she has done throughout her seven-year term.”
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FOR ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES, CONTACT:
The Benevolent Society
M: 0421-761-332 (Lisa Hresc) / 0413-995-189 (Jon Abbott)
E: [email protected]u; [email protected]
Every Child is a national advocacy campaign spearheaded by The Benevolent Society that aims to promote the wellbeing of children and young people, and is. We are determined. We know that with strong support, stable relationships, and a safe place to call home every child and young person can thrive. This means supporting families to navigate tough times. We recognise the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders across the country to advance the interests of their children, young people and families. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are removed from their families at ten times the rate of non-Indigenous children, this is a national shame and Every Child is committed to supporting the self-determination and advocacy work of our First Nations people as they work to ensure their children and young people have the opportunity to grow up well cared for and safe in family and community. Australia's children need us to get this right, and we can.