The State of Australia’s Children Report

This report highlights encouraging progress for children and young people in Australia — including rising early childhood education enrolment, increased youth civic participation, and strong health indicators such as immunisation coverage. The signing of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement also marks a major step toward more equitable education.

However, the data shows that not all children have the same opportunity to thrive. Systemic inequalities — including poverty, racism, intergenerational trauma, and inadequate safeguarding systems — continue to place many children at risk. Children in out-of-home care, those with disability, and young people involved in child protection or youth justice systems experience disproportionate disadvantage. Developmental vulnerability, mental health concerns, financial pressures, online risks and climate-related impacts are also rising.

The report calls for coordinated, rights-based action to strengthen accountability, improve data on children’s experiences, invest in prevention and early intervention, and support community-led, culturally safe solutions. With strong institutions and resources, Australia has the capacity to ensure every child grows up safe, healthy, and supported — but achieving this requires making children a national priority.