The Australian Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates (ACCGA) is calling for urgent, coordinated national action to address growing inequalities impacting children and young people, following the release of UNICEF’s State of Australia’s Children Report 2025.
Queensland Public Guardian, Shayna Smith, joined her fellow members of the ACCGA last week in Canberra. Members discussed the findings of the report and issued a united call to governments to address the root causes of inequality affecting children and young people across Australia.
The State of Australia’s Children Report 2025, produced in partnership with ARACY and the Minderoo Foundation, highlights significant challenges faced by children, particularly those experiencing multiple layers of vulnerability. Key findings include:
- Only 53% of Australian children arrive at school developmentally on track, dropping to 34% for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
- Developmental vulnerability is at its highest point since national reporting began.
- Teens are experiencing rising mental health distress and declining life satisfaction.
- Nearly half of 16–17-year-olds fear they will not be able to secure housing or financial stability in the future.
The ACCGA works collectively to protect the safety, wellbeing, and rights of children and young people across Australia. At the meeting, members urged State and Federal governments to take immediate action by:
- Addressing the root causes of inequality: poverty, housing stress and systemic racism.
- Providing wraparound supports for families at risk including parenting support, income support, housing support and access to early childhood support.
- Investing in mental health and wellbeing programs for children and young people.
- Embedding children’s participation in policy-making through co-designed programs with young people from diverse backgrounds.
The findings of the report highlight the urgent need for a strong, coordinated national effort to address these challenges. The Office of the Public Guardian is committed to working collaboratively with other jurisdictions to advance policies that improve the lives of children and young people in Queensland.
The State of Australia’s Children Report 2025 serves as a critical reminder of the importance of prioritising children’s rights and wellbeing in decision-making processes. It is hoped that this report will act as a catalyst for meaningful change at both State and Federal levels.
For more information about the report or the work of the Office of the Public Guardian, contact media@publicguardian.qld.gov.au.