Submission to the inquiry into youth justice and child wellbeing reform across Australia

In 2023-24, the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Children’s Commissioner conducted a project that investigated opportunities for reform of youth justice and related systems across Australia. The investigation was based on evidence and the protection of human rights. The project explored ways to reduce children’s involvement in crime, including through prevention and early intervention.

The National Children’s Commissioner also held targeted consultations with 150 children and young people, including those in contact with youth justice systems across the country, as well as family and community members.

The project’s findings and recommendations were included in a statutory report to the Commonwealth Attorney-General. The report, titled ‘Help way earlier!' How Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing’, was tabled in federal parliament on 20 August 2024.

ACYP made a written submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission on 15 June 2023.

• ACYP submission
• National Child Commissioner project overview page
• ‘Help way earlier!' How Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing’
  • Full report
  • Report summary
  • Easy read version