46. LSAC commenced in 2004 with two cohorts of children aged 0–1 year and
4–5 years. LSIC includes two groups of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander children who were aged 6–18 months and 3½–5 years when the
study began in 2008. Data experts at the NCC’s roundtables advised that
new cohorts should be introduced in order to replace expiring ones.
47. The NCC supports this, but also advocates following their development
into adulthood; providing outcome-based data, which can inform future
policy decision-making.
48. In July 2018, the Australian Government created the Office of the National
Data Commissioner. This office will oversee and monitor the integrity of
Australia’s data system, and will be responsible for implementing a simpler
data sharing and release framework. It is hoped the new framework will
break down barriers preventing efficient use and re-use of public data,
while maintaining strong security and privacy protections.26 The
Commission supports this initiative.
Recommendation 10: Australian Governments, in conjunction with the
Office of the National Data Commissioner, develop a national children’s
data framework to ensure appropriate data collection that supports policy
making on children’s rights issues. This should:
2.7
•
address the data concerns expressed throughout this submission
•
be consistent with the requirements set out by the Committee in
its Guidelines on the inclusion of statistical information and data in
periodic reports
•
enable disaggregation by developmental phases and age
groupings, and priority population groups such as Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander children
•
ensure national coverage of data collection, addressing gaps in
current collection methods.
Dissemination, awareness-raising and training
49. Human rights education is a core part of the Commission’s and the NCC’s
work. We provide training, conduct public forums and produce human
rights education resources.
50. Since 2010, the Commission has been involved with the development of
the national school curriculum to provide opportunities for all children in
Australia to develop an understanding and appreciation for their human
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