Children’s Rights in Australia

Children’s rights are protected through Federal and State laws. The Federal Government departments responsible for the rights of children are the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).

The Federal Age Discrimination Act 2004 (ADA) provides for protection against discrimination on the grounds of age in various areas of public life including:

• •    education
• •    employment
• •    provision of goods and services
• •    administration of Commonwealth laws and programs

Other mechanisms to protect Children’s rights in Australia include:

• •    Age Discrimination Commissioner (Federal)
• •     House of Representatives Standing Committee Inquiry into Indigenous juveniles and young adults in the criminal justice system.
• •    National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children
• •    National Children’s and Youth Law Centre
• •    National Youth Advocates Network
• •    State and Territory and Commissioners and Legislation
• •    Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) (hyperlink to ‘Disability’ page – YPIRAC)