15 Jun 2022

Children's Commissioner aghast over moves to scrap role

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 15 June 2022
Children's Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers

Children's Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers Photo: Supplied

The Children's Commissioner is aghast that a bill effectively dismantling the role is proceeding, despite the majority of submissions opposing it.

The Social Services and Community Select Committee heard hundreds of submissions on the bill - which scraps the statutory position of Children's Commissioner.

A new Children and Young Person's Commission is to be established, which would be run by a board of up to six members.

This Bill also sees the Children's Commissioner stripped of their power to investigate, no longer handling complaints from children and their families.

Children's Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers says the vast majority of submissions opposed the changes and children in care deserve to have a monitor that is independent of Government.

Kathryn speaks with Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni and Children's Commissioner Frances Eivers.