Share this @internewscast.com

The first National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People says she does not underestimate the job before her.

On Sunday, Social Services Minister Tanya Pilbersek and Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy revealed Sun-Anne Hunter as the newly appointed Commissioner.

Speaking to NITV, the Wurundjeri Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman spoke of the weight of responsibility she feels stepping into the role.
“I don’t take it lightly,” she said.
“It’s going to be tough, but we need it. The kids are our future.”
Ms Hunter was speaking from Gumatj Country, attending the annual Garma Festival in Northeast Arnhem Land.

Youth justice, a white-hot issue in the Northern Territory, has been a recurrent theme during the festival.

“It’s not only in the forums, it’s in the lineup, getting coffee, it’s walking around, connecting with people,” she said.
“Speaking about the conditions of community up here really hit home.”
Ms Hunter called the statistics “alarming”.
“One of my first priorities is really to speak to community organisations, to the commissioners, to the advocates … already in these positions around the states and territories and their jurisdictions.
“What’s already been done, what’s already happening, what are people already advocating for?
“Most of this work isn’t new. It’s not new. It just hasn’t progressed.
“So how do we actually … reduce the rate of children in care, reduce our children youth detention … better health outcomes, better education outcomes?
“The protective factor is culture, and so how do we keep kids connected to their country, their family, their culture?”

Ms. Hunter previously served as a Commissioner and deputy chair for the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia’s pioneering truth-telling inquiry, which concluded with its significant final report released last month.

In a powerful and far-reaching summary of its four years of work hearing testimony from Victoria’s First Nations peoples as well as government officials, the Commission declared a genocide had been perpetrated as a result of colonisation.
It’s a process that should be replicated across the country, says Hunter.
“I think each state territory really needs to have that … there’s other things at a federal level.

“We need to understand the past to build a better future.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Redheads from around the world gather for annual festival

Ginger-haired individuals worldwide unite for yearly celebration

The southern Dutch city of Tilburg is experiencing an influx of vibrant…
Retail workers assaulted

“Shocking Videos Reveal Why Our Team Fears Coming into Work”

Startling footage has been unveiled, revealing the violence retail employees face from…
Up to 300 people have been evacuated from a campground at Lake Wivenhoe in the Somerset Region.

Alert for Queenslanders: Multiple Bushfires Rage Uncontrolled

Emergency evacuations are underway as multiple fast-moving bushfires threaten properties across Queensland.…

Olympic Body Says Khawaja’s Proposal to Ban Israel from Sports Violates ‘Equal Rights’

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja said sporting bodies should consider banning Israel from…

Search for Fugitive Dezi Freeman in Porepunkah Hindered by Harsh Blizzard Conditions in Victoria

Key Points Dezi Freeman is accused of killing two police officers at…
Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Parubiy, pictured here in March 2019

Top Ukrainian political figure assassinated in ‘meticulously orchestrated assault’

A nationalist Ukrainian lawmaker was shot dead in a “carefully planned” attack…
Just one month ago, Jenna Ellen had started her first IVF treatment and was optimistic about starting a family with the love of her life

Jenna, a healthy 31-year-old gearing up to start a family, discovered she had cancer. Here are three symptoms she mistakenly assumed were ‘normal’

Just one month ago, Jenna Ellen had started her first IVF treatment…

Scottish Siblings Arrive in Cairns After Setting Record with Pacific Ocean Row

Three Scottish brothers have set a new world record for the fastest…
Chicago mayor defies Trump's immigration crackdown plan for the city

Chicago Mayor Opposes Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Strategy for the City

The mayor of Chicago has pushed back against what he called the…
Porepunkah police shooting victims Vadim de Waart and Neal Thompson.

Funeral Arrangements Announced for Porepunkah Ambush Victims

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart…

Australian Families May Have Hidden Wealth, Yet Hesitate to Cash In

When selecting gifts for significant occasions like weddings or birthdays, gold jewelry…
Jagseer Boparai was driving to work in wet conditions at about 2am when he veered off Cross Keys Road in Salisbury.

Fiancé Tragically Dies in Horrific Accident Just Months Before His Wedding

A man has died in an horrific crash in Adelaide’s north, mere…