Key initiatives | Commissioner for Children and Young People WA

Priority areas

Read our policy position statements for a brief overview of the Commissioner’s key priority areas: youth justice, health and mental health, education and child protection. There is also a series of discussion papers we are seeking feedback on.

The Wellbeing of Trans and Gender Diverse Youth

Shining a spotlight on the experiences of trans and gender diverse children and young people. The project focuses on their experiences in accessing support for their emotional wellbeing and sense of safety, belonging and support within their families, schools and their communities.

Here I Am: Stories from young everyday leaders in Western Australia

Celebrating 15 years since Western Australia appointed its first Commissioner for Children and Young People, "Here I Am" presents the inspiring tales of young people making a difference within their communities.

Young Aboriginal Researchers in Community (YARiC)

The Commissioner' YARiC project empowered 7 young Aboriginal women from Kalgoorlie high schools to learn ethical community research methods.

Girls' Wellbeing

Highlighted by the Speaking Out Survey, a pivotal insight emerged: young females consistently ranked their wellbeing lower than males. The Commissioner is exploring girls' wellbeing through further analysis of the Speaking Out Survey data and consultations with children and young people.

Child poverty

A striking statistic: as many as 17% of Western Australia's 634,000 children and young people are estimated to be living in poverty. Championing change, the Commissioner staunchly pushes for measures against child poverty. Key among them: a comprehensive Child Wellbeing Strategy for WA, spanning across government efforts.

Rights of WA children and young people

All children have the right to be safe, healthy, happy and learning and everyone has a responsibility to work together to deliver these rights. The Commissioner is committed to promoting the rights of all children and young people in WA.

Talking about vaping survey and report

With growing public concern around young people’s use of e-cigarettes, the Commissioner’s ‘Talking about vaping’ survey gave all Western Australian young people aged 12 to 18 years, a unique opportunity to share their views and experiences of ‘vapes’ and ‘vaping’. The Commissioner has since published a report sharing the findings from this survey.

Your Environment: Your Say survey

The Commissioner asked the children and young people of WA to share their views of the environment in a short online survey. The online survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated. Findings from this project will be released in the coming months.