Helen Connolly appointed SA’s first Commissioner for Children and Young People
SOUTH Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner has pledged to monitor the wellbeing of the state’s young people as an “early-warning sign” on the health of the overall community.
SOUTH Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner has pledged to monitor the wellbeing of the state’s young people as an “early warning sign” on the health of the whole community.
The State Government on Tuesday announced Helen Connolly as the first Commissioner for Children and Young People. She will take up the five-year role on April 18.
The long-awaited position was recommended by the Nyland royal commission into SA’s child protection system, which was prompted by the horrific abuse of young children by former government carer Shannon McCoole.
The Government and Opposition had argued over the extent of the powers which should be granted to the commissioner to investigate cases of child mistreatment or system failings, which had delayed the process.
New laws establishing the office were approved late last year.
They give the commissioner the power to investigate systemic issues but not intervene in or adjudicate individual complaints.
The commissioner can examine a specific child’s case if it is part of, or representative of, a broader systemic issue.
Ms Connolly, who has worked in leadership roles including at the Red Cross and SA Council of Social Services, said she viewed the welfare of children as “an early warning sign of overall community health”.
“The experience of children in their early years has an impact on not just their future growth and development but on the functioning of the whole community,” she said.
“(I) believe that the commitment to a Commissioner (role) is a tangible expression of the importance we, as a community, attach to children.
“I have no blueprint (for the role) as yet. It will be a matter of getting into the role and working out what the priorities are. It’s a responsibility but I’m up for the challenge.”
Education and Child Development Minister Susan Close said Ms Connolly had more than three decades of experience working in human services and had been involved in developing child protection, housing and refugee services and policies.
“She is passionate about finding new and different ways of increasing opportunities for social participation of all people, especially those who are marginalised or excluded,” Dr Close said.
Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said the state’s children needed this appointment “years and years and years ago”.
“Labor have been sitting on their hands (but) we’re absolutely delighted that we’re finally going to have this much needed officer in our state,” he said.
Ms Connolly’s appointment was approved by Parliament’s Statutory Officers Committee.
SA already has a Guardian for Children and Young People who advocates on behalf of children in state care.
Ms Connolly’s role encompasses the welfare of more than 400,000 South Australian children.