About the council
Who are the Children and Young Persons Consultative Council?
The Council is a group of people who share their views with the Commissioner for Children on issues affecting children in Tasmania to help him in his work. Members join from lots of different schools, backgrounds and towns to share their thoughts and ideas. Meetings are relaxed and fun and a chance to make a difference, so come join us! You can find out more about individual Council members here.
What does the Council talk about?
The Council looks at issues the Commissioner is writing about, topics he has been asked to comment on and other topics they think are important for discussion. The Council have helped the Commissioner provide advice to the Tasmanian Government, Australian Government and other bodies around Australia and overseas on issues affecting children. The Council takes as long as it needs to work through issues from start to finish and has had lively meetings on topics like public transport, global warming, pollution, Tasmania Together, bullying in schools, background checks for working with children, school attendance and violence in video games.
When and where does the Council meet?
Meetings are generally held every three months, unless Council members wish to meet more often. Meetings are usually held around the state, in Hobart, Launceston or Campbelltown. We can pay for your bus travel to attend. Meetings are held on a Saturday during the school term and sometimes on weekdays during school holidays.
Between meetings, Council members are always welcome to see the Commissioner if they are visiting Hobart or have an issue they would like to discuss with him about children and young people in Tasmania.
What do we look for in Council members?
Council members need to respect each other’s opinions and work as part of a team. The Council is an opportunity to have active discussions and share ideas that can help the Commissioner in his work. Meetings are full of energy, so you need to be enthusiastic, committed and be willing to share your views. However meetings are not very formal and everybody’s participation is encouraged.
The Commissioner for Children's Consultative Council is set up under section 81(1)(a) of the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1997, to assist the Commissioner in the performance of the Commissioner's functions and powers under the Act.
Page location: http://www.childcomm.tas.gov.au/cms/childrenscouncil/aboutthecouncil.php