Agency Performance - Formal submissions 2025-26
In 2025-26, the Commissioner made 20 submissions to state and federal inquiries and projects. The submissions advocated for Western Australian children and young people across themes such as child safety, out-of-home care, justice, early years, education, trauma and legislative reform. Key submissions included:
Legislative Council Standing Committee on Legislation Inquiry regarding the Firearms Act 2024
3 July 2025
Submission providing feedback on the implications of the Firearms Act 2024 for child safety and wellbeing.
Department of Communities on the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy 2025-2035
28 July 2025
Submission highlighting the needs of children and young people and recommending inclusion of child safeguarding measures and evidence-based responses.
eSafety Commissioner on the Social Media Age Restriction
13 August 2025
Submission regarding proposed social media access restrictions highlighting key issues for children and young people for the consideration of the eSafety Commissioner.
Legislative Council Standing Committee on Legislation on the Criminal Code Amendment (Post and Boast Offence) Bill 2025
4 September 2025
Submission urging a child-centred, trauma-informed approach that upholds the best interests of children and young people.
Department of Communities on Phase 2 Working with Children Check Reforms Consultation Paper
22 September 2025
Submission supporting reforms that enhance compliance, reduce risk of harm to children and improve information sharing across jurisdictions.
Mental Health Commission on proposed strategic directions of the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025-2030
23 September 2025
Submission highlighting the high priority children, young people and the people who care for them place on mental health and wellbeing, accessible services and having a voice in decision making.
Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety on Tranche 2 Liquor Licensing Reforms
14 October 2025
Submission focusing on strengthening protections for children while ensuring that reforms remain proportionate, prioritise community safety and minimise alcohol-related harm.
Legislative Assembly Education and Health Standing Committee Inquiry into Community Use of Public School Facilities
17 October 2025
Submission regarding the benefits, risks and opportunities for children and young people of community use of public school facilities.
Department of Communities All Paths Lead to Home Second Action Plan 2026-2030
29 October 2025
Submission providing in-principle endorsement of the All Paths Lead to Home Second Action Plan 2026-2030, supporting planning to address homelessness for children and young people.
Mental Health Commission on the draft Western Australian Suicide Prevention Framework 2026-2031
5 November 2025
Submission supporting the development of a sustainable, evidence-based framework for suicide prevention that addresses the unique needs of children and young people.
Ombudsman WA on the operation of the Protected Entertainment Precincts Scheme
7 November 2025
Submission focusing on strengthening protections for children and young people while ensuring that legislative responses effectively reduce exposures to harm and violence and improve overall community safety.
Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety on the Review and Reform of WA Gambling Laws Consultation Paper
9 December 2025
Submission regarding the need for strengthened protections for children and young people from gambling-related harm caused through the participation of themselves or others.
Hon. Nick Goiran MLC on the Working with Children (Screening) Amendment Bill 2025
22 January 2026
Feedback provided to the Shadow Attorney General regarding support for reforms that will enhance compliance, improve national information sharing and materially reduce the risk of harm to children in high-risk contexts.
Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport Office of Multicultural Interests on the proposed WA Multicultural Act
10 February 2026
Submission to the Office of Multicultural Interests regarding the potential for improving outcomes for children and young people by developing legislation that is inclusive, respectful and responsive to their lived experiences.
Australian Human Rights Commission public consultation on 7-Eleven application for a temporary exemption under the Age Discrimination Act 2004
23 March 2026
Submission supporting a temporary exemption that would allow 7-Eleven to refuse service of non-alcoholic alcohol-like beverages to children and young people under the age of 18.
Law Reform Commission of WA on Project 115 – Review of Access to Western Australia's Justice System by Persons with a Disability
4 April 2026
Submission focused on the need for developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, culturally safe and child-centered services and reducing the overrepresentation of children with developmental and cognitive disability in the justice system.
Legislative Council Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Public Order Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
13 April 2026
Submission noting the potential impacts of the proposed amendments on children and young people.
Federal Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
23 April 2026
Submission noting the significant harms racism has directly caused to children and young people's health, wellbeing, education, cultural and community connection as well as the systemic barriers Aboriginal children face.
House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education Inquiry into the factors driving educational attainment
11 June 2026
Submission noted the impact of developmental vulnerabilities in early years on educational attainment and the need for early intervention as well as the persistent barriers faced by children and young people in regional and remote areas.
Public Sector Commission on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability regarding public sector employment
25 June 2026
Submission regarding pathways to employment and opportunities for young people with disability in the public sector.