Reports
The Commissioner produces reports based on projects linked to key focus areas of her work as set out in her Strategic Framework (2022+). The reports below all relate to children’s citizenship. They reflect what South Australian children and young people have told the Commissioner matters most to them about citizenship, including what changes they would like to see made. The Commissioner also produces a series of annual statutory publications which report on how South Australia is performing against international standards set out in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights (UNCRC) of the Child, many of which relate to citizenship.
A 6-Point Plan to Make SA a Better Place for Kids
Whilst the full Things That Matter 5 report is a delightful read for those who want to drill down into responses to the questions children have supplied, this snapshot summary of what kids have told the Commissioner will make South Australia better from their point...
The Things That Matter 5
This fifth report from the Commissioner's Student Voice Postcards initiative reflects responses from 18,328 South Australian children who completed postcards in 2023 - up from 16,007 in 2022. Children told their Commissioner they want more time with the parents,...
My Digital Life
The shift to a predominantly online existence in 2020, as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighted the issue of digital inequality across our communities, it also exposed the multiple impact a lack of digital access has on children and young...
Community Building in the 21st Century: How to use collaborative gaming to build connection, confidence and creativity
In the Commissioner's extensive conversations with young people, we have heard that gaming and esports is an area in which they would like to see more resources provided at the local community level. Young people often speak to me about the value gaming offers them...
Regenerating Our Regions: increasing participation of young people in rural South Australia
The 2020 Regional Youth Voices Forum reflected a significant collaboration between the Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Youth Advisory Committees of the Barossa Valley, Clare and Gilbert and Goyder Councils. This report from 2020 outlines what...
2030 SDG Action Plan by South Australian Young People
Children and young people have told the Commissioner that community is crucial to strong healthy societies and that ‘if you help people contribute positively – no one loses and everyone wins’. They believe the majority of young South Australians care deeply about...
Aboriginal Youth Engagement Project
In October 2018, South Australia’s Commissioner for Children and YoungPeople Helen Connolly, in collaboration with Reconciliation SA and TauondiAboriginal College, initiated an Aboriginal Youth Engagement project to explore thefeasibility of establishing an...
Youthful Adelaide
Between August and November 2018, South Australia’s Commissioner for Childrenand Young People, Helen Connolly met with 130 young people between the ages of12 and 22 to ask them what they thought would make the City of Adelaide a moreyouthful place. To explore this...
Hopes and Dreams
The Hopes and Dreams regional engagement project commenced in February 2018. Its aim was to find out what children and young people living in South Australia hope for, and what support they need to help realise their dreams. The Commissioner wanted to know what...
Leading for our Future: Youth Symposium Report
This report from 2018 outlines key issues and barriers to accessing employment, and the opportunities and suggestions identified by young people. The key objective of the symposium was to engage young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to learn directly...
Listening Tour: Reflections | Hearing the Voices of South Australia’s Children and Young People
The Listening Tour was launched on 15 June 2017. Its aim was to provide the Commissioner the opportunity to meet with as many children and young people across the state as possible. The purpose was to find out what matters to them and how they think their lives can...
