Our Work
History of the Office
The role of the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People was established in 2018 following years of sustained Aboriginal advocacy for independent oversight. In October 2021, the position was formally enshrined in legislation, granting the Commissioner statutory powers equivalent to those held by the Commissioner for Children and Young People—including the authority to conduct systemic inquiries.
The Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People operates as a statutory body that champions the rights, development, and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people in South Australia.
This role works in close collaboration with other independent oversight and advocacy bodies, such as the Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Guardian for Children and Young People.
Our SAAY Public Speaking Competition
The ‘Our South Australian Aboriginal Youth’ Public Speaking Competition (Our SAAY) was developed to elevate the voices of Aboriginal young people in a formal capacity, allowing them to strengthen and showcase their public speaking skills in front of their families and communities.
Nunga Kids Art Competition
The Nunga Kids Art Competition encourages Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people to express themselves through creative artwork.
Aboriginal Youth Summit
The Aboriginal Youth Summit provides a platform for Aboriginal young people to identify what is important to them and to determine how they want to share their collective voice.
