Appendix 3 | Applying the CRIA tool to COVID-19 pandemic policy and legislation relating to the closure of schools and early childhood education and care in Australia The federal government told the National Children’s Commissioner that their engagement with children was through the Early Childhood Policy Group (states and territories) and the Early Childhood Education and Care Reference Group (peaks and providers). The federal government also noted their ongoing consultation and engagement with a range of consultative groups that provide feedback on policy issues, and the use of surveys to gather views of stakeholders.134 In correspondence with the National Children’s Commissioner, Education Departments in states and territories indicated: • Australian Capital Territory: The ACT Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, the ACT Education Directorate and the ACT’s Regulatory Authority established several and regular avenues for consultation and information sharing – including ministerial forums with providers, provider advisory meetings, sector wide information sessions and sector wide surveys. These avenues and forums were made open and accessible to a range of sectors to respond to the diverse needs of children but did not target specific groups.135 • New South Wales: The State Emergency Operations Centre coordinated the whole of government response to the pandemic and was used to bring all agencies together to address community needs. The Department of Education also worked closely with the Department of Communities and Justice, to ensure learning, wellbeing and access to curriculum needs were met for students in out-of-home care. The NSW Government also engaged with the NSW Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People to ensure children’s voices were heard in consultations. The Department of Education also engaged with the Early Childhood Education Advisory Group.136 • Northern Territory: The NT Government consulted through its school education advisory group, the NT Early Childhood Key Stakeholder Advisory Group, the NT Council of Government School Organisations, the Isolated Children's Parents Association, and the NT Remote and Regional Taskforce.137 • Queensland: The Department of Education regularly consulted with key stakeholders, including relevant unions, professional associations, representatives from the non-government sector and parent bodies.138 • Western Australia: The Minister of Education and Training indicated to the National Children’s Commissioner that decisions about school operations were taken on the basis of health advice from the WA Chief Health Officer. The Minister indicated that the WA Government did not consult as it did not close schools other than extending school holidays by one-week in Term 1, 2021. As principals were given the authority to close schools as needed, it was deemed their authority to consult with their school board or council to understand the best interests of their students.139 Safeguarding Children: Using a child rights impact assessment to improve our laws and policies | 69