 Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today here at the Children's Rights Forum. The promotion and protection of the rights of children is an issue we as Australians must all take seriously. This forum shows the increased interest young people and children have in advocating for their own rights, whether that's through engaging with government to secure better outcomes for children or by participating in decision-making on issues that affect them. Government should be informed by the values and interests of Australian children and young people. That reflects the core principle of democracy. The Commonwealth Government has been working hard to better promote and protect child rights. We know children are amongst the most disadvantaged in our community. Some children face particular barriers, multiple disadvantages and unique vulnerabilities. And this includes Indigenous children, children with disabilities and those living in rural and remote areas. We're committed to improving outcomes for these children and all children. And we're working hard through the national framework for protecting Australia's children and national strategies and plans on early childhood development and health. But more remains to be done. And we welcome your views on this because we recognise the importance of sustained and effective advocacy on these issues. The Commonwealth Government was pleased to recently announce the establishment of the National Children's Commissioner. This will be the first dedicated national advocate for children and young people. Importantly, the commissioner will pay special attention to vulnerable and at-risk groups. And I encourage you to engage actively with the commissioner. Children overseas are also facing increasingly complex challenges. Infant and child mortality, poor health outcomes and a lack of education and employment opportunities are real issues worldwide, particularly in our region. And Australia is working hard to achieve better outcomes for children overseas through our aid program. Education is a key priority for us. By 2015, we will be the world's largest bilateral donor in the education sector. And we're pursuing this because we know that education is key to lifting children out of poverty and providing better employment and health and development outcomes. We're looking forward to seeing further progress achieved internationally. I encourage you to continue to discuss these issues and to engage government with your views. And I look forward to hearing further from you on your views on the promotion and protection of children's rights.