GPV/KCV scrutinises law, policy and practice, asking: what is best for all children and what effect will the decisions we take today have on their futures?

GPV/KCV recognises that guidelines exist for the creation and use of Family Impact Statements (FIS) when putting proposals to local federal or state government councils or cabinets but is disappointed in the underutilisation of these statements and their lack of public visibility.

GPV/KCV calls on all levels of government in Australia to pay specific attention to the potential impact that changes to legislation will have on outcomes for children.  Every piece of legislation, as well as changes to regulations and practices should be accompanied by a ‘Child Impact Statement’ (CIS) consisting of an analysis predicting the potential outcomes for child wellbeing in both the short and long term.

GPV/KCV contends that each CIS must measure the extent to which any given policy or practice contributes to or enhances adherence to the following rights for all children:

• to not be raised in poverty
• to know, and spend quality time with, their extended biological family
• to affordable, quality health care, and early intervention in mental health issues
• to be safe from emotional and physical harm
• to a free, comprehensive, quality education
• to participate in leisure activities
• to a sense of identity
• to connect with the languages and religious beliefs of their family of origin
• to be paid fairly for fair work, and the right to safe working environments
• to participate in decisions affecting their own lives
• to be treated fairly and humanely within the justice system

To download the full paper (PDF, 497KB), click here