Recommendation 165

Australia periodically reviews its reservations including to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to determine whether they remain necessary. Australia's reservation to the CRC is consistent with the object and purpose of this treaty and consistent with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. There have been no objections made to this reservation by other State Parties.

The Australian Government in no way condones the use of corporal punishment as an approach to student behaviour management in schools. Corporal punishment is not a sentencing option in any juvenile justice system in Australia. Child protection mechanisms and criminal penalties apply to families who physically abuse or cause serious harm to a child.

The Australian Human Rights Commission and the National Children's Commissioner work to promote the human rights of all Australians, including children.

Australia has had a dedicated federal National Children's Commissioner since 2013. The Commissioner is established within the Australian Human Rights Commission by Part IIAA of the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986(Cth). The Commissioner's functions include promoting discussion and awareness of human rights in relation to children. The Commissioner also undertakes programmes (including research and educational programmes) to promote respect for the human rights of children and to promote the enjoyment and exercise of human rights by children. Information about the work of the Commission on children's rights can be found on the Children's Rights page on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.

Through the Council of Australian Governments, the Australian Government works with state and territory governments on the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009-2020. The framework has a focus on supporting Indigenous children and keeping them safe in their families and communities. Australia will implement the Third Action Plan under the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009-2020, released on 9 December 2015.

For information about state and territory policies and programmes related to children, visit:

• Australian Capital Territory – Community Services Directorate
• New South Wales – Department of Health and Office of the Children's Guardian
• Northern Territory – Territory Families
• Queensland – Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
• South Australia – Department for Communities and Social Inclusion
• Tasmania – Department for Child Protection
• Victoria – Department of Human Services
• Western Australia – Department for Child Protection and Family Support

For information on state and territory policies and programmes related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, visit:

• Australian Capital Territory – Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
• New South Wales – Office of Communities—Aboriginal Affairs
• Northern Territory – Office of Aboriginal Affairs
• Queensland – Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
• South Australia – Department of State Development, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation
• Tasmania – Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office of Aboriginal Affairs
• Victoria – Department of Premier and Cabinet, Aboriginal Victoria
• Western Australia – Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage