The Australian Greens will move for the introduction of a new Commonwealth Commissioner for Children and Young People to provide protection and a voice for all young Australians, according to Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

On the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Greens today announce they will introduce legislation to establish a Federal independent statutory body to oversee the rights of young Australians.

"Australia needs a properly-resourced Commonwealth Commissioner for Children and Young People with the powers to ensure recognition of their needs, views and rights,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.

"According to a survey by the Save the Children charity, 78 per cent of Australians believe there is a role for a Commonwealth Commissioner - clearly this idea makes sense both to the public and to national organisations.

"Whether it's children in child care or state care, in the education system, the juvenile justice system or detention on Christmas Island, in big cities, small towns or outback communities, all young people deserve to have someone looking out for their interests.

"For their sake, let's make it someone with the power to do something when things go wrong.''

Under the Greens' proposed legislation, some of the key functions of the Commission would include:

• Defending the rights of all children and young people, holding Australia to our commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Assessing current and prospective laws to find whether they are in children's best interests and reporting the conclusions to Parliament
• Representing the interests of young people in relevant legal cases 
• Working with all levels of government to ensure proper co-ordination of policies, programs and funding

"Other countries already have independent Commissioners for children - Australia is lagging behind,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.

"Advocacy for children and young people should be a national priority. This new Commonwealth Commissioner would ensure adequate protection for all kids, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged.''