Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Stewart for her question. The Albanese Labor government is committed to achieving better outcomes for First Nations children, young people and their families. We committed to a national commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and we are delivering on that commitment. The overrepresentation of First Nations children in out-of-home care continues to trend upwards. Closing the Gap target 12, which aims to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations children in out-of-home care by 45 per cent by 2031, is not on track. The Productivity Commission found that nationally, as at 30 June 2023, the rate of First Nations children aged zero to 17 years in out-of-home care was worsening. The national commissioner will be dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights, interests and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people across a range of issues, including the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care.