The Australian Child Rights Taskforce
We are Australia’s peak child rights body advocating for the fulfilment of child rights in Australia.
Who We Are?
The Australian Child Rights Taskforce is the peak body for child rights in Australia. Made up of more than 100 organisations advocating for the promotion and fulfilment of the rights of Australia’s children, our goal is to ensure child rights remains squarely on the agenda of the Australian government and people.
Our membership is made up of advocates, service providers, individuals and experts, speaking with a united voice to promote and realise the rights of Australian children.
The Child Rights Taskforce is co-convened by UNICEF Australia and James McDougall and is led by a Steering Committee of child rights organisations and experts.
What We Do
The Child Rights Taskforce is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and core to our role is ensuing the Australian government is held to account on its commitment to the CRC.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the only international human rights treaty that expressly gives non-governmental organisations a role in monitoring its implementation.
This means that, when the Australian Government reports to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on how it believes it is faring in its commitment to children, it is the role of the Australian Child Rights Taskforce to produce the alternative report.
This process of Reporting on the CRC ensures that, as well as the voice of Government, the experiences of children and young people in Australia are considered.
The UN Committee considers the reports and briefing received from Government, civil society and children and young people. It then releases recommendations to the Australian Government, known as the Concluding Observations on how they can improve implementations of the CRC in Australia, uphold the rights of all children and identify the children at most risk in Australia.
Our strategic plan
In between reporting cycles, the Child Rights Taskforce undertakes advocacy and policy work to promote the rights of children and young people in Australia. We have recently developed our 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan which articulates our priority areas for reform.
Our Members
The Child Rights Taskforce is made up of advocates, service providers, individuals and experts all focused on achieving child rights in Australia. It meets regularly to discuss upcoming opportunities and events to promote and protect children’s rights. The role of the Taskforce is to hold the Australian government to account on its commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Our membership and Steering Committee regularly shift and grows as more dedicated advocates take up the cause of child rights in Australia. If you have queries relating to our membership and Steering Committee, please reach out to us.
Need further information?
Questions and answers about the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Australian Child Rights Taskforce.