We believe the Department for Communities (Child Protection & Family Support) has lost all credibility in working with children and young people.

Time and time again, we see the systemic failures of Child Protection around Australia by Governments acting "in the best interests of children" only to do further harm and put children in worse environments.

We need an independent body to oversee the Child Protection department in its operations and actions, holding managers accountable for decisions made that impacts the most vulnerable in our community, our children.

We believe an established independent children's commissioner will mean safer children, safer communities for young people to live in and will reduce harm to children. It will also make decisions made for children more transparent.

In the Oversight of services for children and young people in Western Australia report in 2017, The CCYP recommended a "robust, comprehensive system of independent oversight for all children and young people in out-of-home care be established".

That recommendation included access to an independent advocate to support children and young people to raise concerns about their care; monitoring application of policy and practice; and monitoring the outcomes for children and young people in care.

For too long children have been harmed by the same Government department set up to keep them safe and healthy.

If you have an idea around the independent body please email clinton.deyoung@childprotection.party