Aboriginal Children's Commissioner granted inquiry powers as three-year term ends

South Australia’s first Aboriginal Children’s Commissioner has finally been handed the powers of a Royal Commission to investigate “pressing systemic issues” facing Indigenous youth – only two months before the end of her three-year term.

Aboriginal Children's Commissioner finally set to be granted powers

More than two years after her appointment, the State Government has finally moved to allow South Australia’s inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People to investigate “pressing systemic issues” facing Indigenous youth.

SA Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People April Lawrie wants to investigate the statutory removal of Aboriginal newborns from the care of their birthmothers at hospitals. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily

Aboriginal mothers "absolutely helpless" after babies taken at SA hospitals

Aboriginal babies deemed at-risk by South Australia’s Child Protection Department are being removed from their mothers at Adelaide hospitals, not long after birth, in processes advocates say are unnecessarily cruel and opaque. Stephanie Richards talks to affected families.

Give me power to investigate, commissioner tells Govt

South Australia’s inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People says she is unable to investigate “pressing systemic issues” facing Indigenous youth as the State Government has failed to legislate her role.

Govt lagging on Aboriginal child placement target

The SA Child Protection Department is struggling to reach its target to place more Aboriginal children in care with Aboriginal carers, but has almost doubled its spending on Indigenous-controlled organisations.