AbSec is delighted to congratulate Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter on her appointment as Australia’s first National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
AbSec CEO, John Leha, said: “We are thrilled that Sue-Anne Hunter will become Australia’s first ever National Commissioner.”
“It’s excellent news for our sector across the country. Sue-Anne will bring a perspective that focuses on truth-telling and healing, with deep understanding of the problems we face because of historic and ongoing colonisation.”
“We were honoured to have Sue-Anne as a keynote speaker at our Aboriginal Child and Family Conference last year, where, as Yoorrook Justice Commissioner, she spoke so passionately and determinedly about the need for truth and systematic reform.”
“One quote in particular from that address really stuck with me about issues in child protection systems. Sue-Anne said: ‘This isn’t failure, this is the colonial system working exactly as designed, perpetuating disadvantage to maintain power.’”
“It’s a powerful reminder for everyone working to liberate our children in out-of-home care and youth detention that recognising truth and making a collective effort that prioritises Aboriginal self-determined solutions is how we address the extreme and worsening disproportionality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the out-of-home care system across the country, We call on all state and territory governments to implement independent commissioners for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in their jurisdictions.” said Mr Leha.
