National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026, National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026
Senator CHISHOLM (Queensland—Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Assistant Minister for Resources and Deputy Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (19:47): All children and young people deserve to grow up with their rights, interests and wellbeing protected. Investing in improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people is a priority of this government, and we are committed to closing the gap.
The National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 will legislate the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, under new primary legislation. It will be the first permanent statutory agency, independent from government. This is First Nations led, with a dedicated focus on preserving the rights, interests, development, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
The bill empowers the national commissioner to drive greater accountability from the systems that children, young people and families interact with. We are investing $33.5 million over the forward estimates and $8.4 million ongoing to ensure the national commissioner can deliver on their statutory functions and responsibilities. Legislating an independent national commissioner responds to decades of advocacy by many First Nations leaders, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group's Safe and Supported.
When we get it right for children and young people, the entire nation will move forward. I commend this bill to the chamber. The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Ciccone ): As I understand it, there is an amendment that has been moved by Senator Waters.
That is currently before the chair. The question is that the second reading amendment moved by Senator Waters be agreed to. A division having been called and it being after the time that we're allowed to have divisions, it will be deferred to the following sitting day.
Debate interrupted.