News

Submissions and policy development

Making submissions to governmental and parliamentary inquiries is an important part of our work. It enables us to potentially influence emerging policy. Using our research and our knowledge of current practices, we are able to add our expert commentary to the process of policy development.

Inquiries are an opportunity to share our experience, and offer evidence-based knowledge and recommendations. We use our research strengths - children's participation, knowledge of service systems, understanding of workforce trends, governance procedures - to inform our submissions. It’s like being part of a conversation that helps us play a part in supporting governments to create child-safe communities.

In the first half 2026, we submitted 4 submissions to the following Inquiries:

1. Australian Government Standing Committee on Education Inquiry into the Factors Driving Educational Attainment (12 June 2026), with Professor Daryl Higgins as co-author
2. Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory in response Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026 (22 May 2026), submitted by Dr Steven Roche
3. Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory in response Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026 (13 May 2026), submitted by 14 academics including Dr Vicky Saunders
4. Queensland Child Safety Commission of Inquiry (22 January 2026), submitted by Professor Daryl Higgins on the topic of ‘corporate parenting’

We invite you to read more about our submissions