Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader and Human Services spokesperson
There are few roles within government as important as the independent Commissioner for Children and Young People.
The Children’s Commissioner is an advocate for young Tasmanians, who so often lack a voice within the circles where decisions are made that affect their lives and futures.
The Commissioner must be able to provide frank advice to government on behalf of children and young people, without fear or favour.
There are questions to be answered about the recruitment of an individual who has gone directly from working in the Deputy Premier’s office for five years to the position of the independent Commissioner for Children.
The Greens have been offered a briefing and will be taking up the opportunity.
The Children’s Commissioner must be above politics and Tasmanians must have faith that the individual appointed to this critical role will hold government to account when strong advocacy is needed.
Regrettably, the position has been subject to political influence in the past, leading to the resignation of former Commissioner, Mark Morrissey.
We trust the new Commissioner will be the strong, independent voice Tasmania’s children and young people need.