A campaign launched at the end of October asks the federal government to appoint a Minister for Children, so that Australian children have a voice in Canberra.
The campaign, titled « Give kids a voice in Canberra », was launched by Act for Kids. It asks Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to set up the ministerial role.
Australian children can face a range of challenges, including bullying, education and health. 17-year-old Shradda Makkar, a high school student, helped create the campaign and is named as its co-designer.
The initiative is aimed at giving young people a direct channel to federal decision-makers on issues that affect their daily lives. Its organisers argue that children are often not represented in policy discussions, even though government decisions on schooling, health and safety shape their futures.
Makkar's role as co-designer places a teenager at the centre of the campaign's message. The campaign's framing centres on the idea that children should be heard directly rather than only through adults speaking on their behalf.
The campaign was publicised through community radio stations across the country, including outlets in Canberra, Adelaide, Queensland and Western Australia. Coverage in these markets carried the same core details about the campaign and its request to the Prime Minister.
The request is directed at the federal level, where portfolio responsibilities are set by the Prime Minister. A Minister for Children would hold a dedicated portfolio in Canberra, and the campaign has asked for that appointment to be made.
The story was produced by Eduardo Jordan and was provided through The Wire. It has been carried in regional and national community broadcast outlets, which indicates the campaign has reached audiences beyond a single city.