WA commissioner for children and young people is all ears for our youngsters

Commissioner Colin Pettit spent a morning at Donnybrook High School last week, meeting with students and hearing about their lives and the issues that affect them. 

It was part of an ongoing, state-wide program of regional visits.

"[I asked] about what they think about their town and their community, what really works for them, what could be improved, and how I can support them into the future."

This was Mr Pettit's first visit to the South West since he took on the role last November.

"I try to get out to the regions on a regular basis to talk to children and young people when I do that."

He said the purpose of the visit was to listen to the students, and used the feedback to talk with local shires and local politicians to see if they could improve services and other delivery into the community.

"In [Donnybrook] they're very positive about the support they get within their community, but they would also like to see more activity around that is appropriate to their lifestyle,” Mr Pettit said.

"We're not here to provide above anything else, we're just here to listen to their voice and then talk to policy makers about how they can better contribute to their community."

A report on the commissioner’s visit could be released next week, one issue he highlighted was transport in the regional areas.

"Getting young people who can't drive themselves and have very busy parents – to locations from here to Bunbury for example – needs to be thought through because a lot of activity is in Bunbury, and how we can support young people to grow is by getting better transport systems.

“So that'll be one thing we'll be talking about."

The commissioner is independent and reports directly to the WA Parliament.