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 SA Government did not indicate the level of engagement with children or stakeholders for policy and legislation regarding school closures during 2020 and 2021. However, it indicated minimal school closures in SA. Education Departments in Tasmania and Victoria did not provide a response to the National Children’s Commissioner’s request for information. Some jurisdictions also have youth advisory bodies. For example, the NSW Ministerial Student Council and the Queensland Ministerial Student Advisory Council.140 Both were consulted by their Ministers for Education during the pandemic.141 Children’s Commissioners/Guardians/Advocates across the states and territories were not systematically consulted prior to schools closing. Where consultation did occur, it is not clear if it directly influenced decision-making.142 The NSW Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People and the Tasmanian Commission for Children and Young People indicated regular meetings occurred with the Department of Education to provide advice and updates around decision-making. Victoria’s Commission for Children and Young People indicated it was not approached by the Victorian Government for advice, although they actively sought engagement and briefings with Victorian Government agencies to elevate the needs and experiences of children during the pandemic. Commencing early in 2020, Children’s Commissioners, the AHRC and several NGOs conducted consultations with children and young people regarding their experiences and the impact of the pandemic on their lives – including the Mission Australia Youth Survey and WA’s ‘Speaking Out’ survey. It is unclear whether the final reports from these consultations directly influenced state/territory and federal policy/legislation decision-making.143 70 |