OPEN Seminar Presentation Three: A Panel Discussion 

Key Messages  

Managing Tensions  

• The panel acknowledged the complexities involved in managing the tension between mandatory reporting requirements and listening to the views of children. They emphasised that children’s rights, parents’ rights, and society’s duty to protect children are all different rights that need to be reconciled.
• While mandatory reporting requirements are in place to protect vulnerable children, it is equally important to allow children to have a say in decisions that affect their lives. Striking the right balance requires sensitivity, time, and a sophisticated approach to communicate with children – explaining processes to them and ensuring that they have the right to express their views, that are then considered and respected.

Improving Child Wellbeing

• Despite progress in embedding children’s rights into practice, the panel recognised that there is still a long way to go in improving child wellbeing.
• They stressed the need for a comprehensive and coordinated plan that focuses specifically on children’s rights and wellbeing at both the state and national levels.
• Such a plan should address various aspects affecting children’s lives, including education, health, safety, and family support. By prioritising children’s needs, society can work towards creating an environment that fosters the optimal development of every child.

Addressing Root Causes  

• The panel highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of issues affecting children. Child poverty and maltreatment in particular, was singled out as a major driver of negative outcomes for children. The discussion emphasised that child poverty should not be treated as a standalone issue but rather integrated into service systems and addressed proactively.
• By addressing poverty and related issues, such as housing insecurity and lack of access to healthcare, society can improve child development outcomes and break the cycle of disadvantage.

Promoting Self-Determination

• The panel underscored the significance of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and its direct impact on children’s rights and wellbeing.
• Recognising self-determination as a collective right is crucial for empowering Indigenous communities to make decisions that affect their children and young people. By supporting self-determination, the sector can foster culturally appropriate solutions and ensure that Indigenous children’s rights are upheld.

Institutional Mechanisms

• The panel emphasised the need for institutional mechanisms that actively prioritise and amplify children’s voices in decision-making processes. This involves engaging and partnering with children from all backgrounds, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• The panel recognised the challenges within the family law system and the need for substantial reform to hear children’s voices in legal proceedings, and to truly prioritise children’s wellbeing and safety.

What now for the sector? 
The panel concluded by emphasising the importance of ongoing discussions and collaborations to further promote children’s rights, wellbeing, and protection. They acknowledged the progress made so far but recognised that sustained efforts are needed to effect meaningful change.  The panel encouraged further engagement and partnerships among stakeholders, including practitioners, advocates, policymakers, and researchers, to continue the work of improving the lives of children and young people. The thought-provoking discussion emphasised the sector’s crucial role in prioritising children’s rights, wellbeing, and safety.