Jacinta Price slams new National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children

A shadow minister has slammed a newly created role by the federal government – questioning how a person of “similar racial identity” will foster change. Find out why.

Shadow minister for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price in Alice Springs, October 4, 2024. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians has slammed the government’s newly created role for First Nations children and young people, questioning how “a person of similar racial identity to the children of concern” would fix anything.

Speaking in Alice Springs on Friday, NT Senator and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price slammed the Albanese government’s independent National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.

“I wouldn’t have the role altogether,” she said, answering a question as to who she thinks would be best for the new role.

Federal Indigenous Australians minister Malarndirri McCarthy. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I have little faith that setting up this particular role is going to make any difference or move a dial for the benefit of Indigenous children in this country.”

The commission will be headed by a commissioner, and will be operational January 13, federal Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said.

The role, announced jointly with Social Services minister Amanda Rishworth on Friday morning, is seeking a “First Nations person” who “will champion First Nations children’s strengths, sense of hope and ideas for change”.

“This is a historic milestone, and one which demonstrates our commitment to shared decision-making through the establishment of a legislated, independent and empowered National Commissioner,” Ms Rishworth said.

Ms McCarthy said the new commissioner will “be informed by the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, whose voices deserve to be heard”.

Street scenes in Walungurru (Kintore) NT

But Ms Price wasn’t convinced, and questioned how “a person of similar racial identity to the children of concern is somehow going to fix the problem”.

“You don’t just go ahead and create another position, because Aboriginal children are Australian children – they’re Australian citizens, we should be treating them the same, not separately,” she said.

“We need to stop leaving Indigenous children in dysfunctional circumstances because of their racial heritage.

“We’ve got to make sure that we are leaving them with families that care for them, that uphold the human rights and that ensure that they are getting an education – that is the way forward.”