The Latest Breaking News from Anne Hollonds

Northern Territory becomes first Australian jurisdiction to raise minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years

A bill changing the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 is passed in the Northern Territory Parliament, in a move the National Children's Commissioner described as "very welcome as a first step".

ABC News · Nov 29, 2022

Australia’s harsh youth detention system ‘a national shame’

Australian youth detention is a "national shame" as more evidence emerges of harsh treatment of teenagers at a troubled Perth jail.

The New Daily · Nov 15, 2022

Aust youth detention 'a national shame'

The national children's commissioner says a taskforce is needed to fix recurring problems in youth detention, describing the system as a "national shame".

AAP · Nov 14, 2022

Tasmania's Ashley youth prison closure must be brought forward, children's commissioner, advocates say

One of the people instrumental in the examination of the notorious Don Dale youth prison in Darwin says Tasmania's government should "learn from the example" of how the Northern Territory went against the recommendations of a damning royal commission into its facility for young offenders.

ABC News · Aug 23, 2022

Families of Banksia Hill detainees speak out following transfers to Casuarina Prison

Family members of teenage boys relocated to Western Australia's highest security prison fear the move will ensnare them in a cycle of violence, as the national children's commissioner says disadvantaged youth are being blamed for system failures.

ABC News · Jul 25, 2022

Child protection systems in Australia are 'in crisis', but some programs are making a positive difference

A model of out-of-home care involving professional therapists, and a Salvation Army program helping parents reunite with their children are examples of new ways of approaching child protection, and they're having a positive impact.

ABC News · Jul 10, 2022

Attorney-General, minister 'deeply concerned' by 'horrific' findings of ABC's child protection investigation

Federal leaders say they will hold a meeting with the National Children's Commissioner to determine action to protect children after an ABC investigation reveals youths in care are being raped and neglected.

ABC News · Jun 20, 2022