Liana Buchanan has been a tireless advocate for children and young people. Appointed Principal Commissioner for the Commission for Children and Young People in Victoria in 2016, Liana was responsible for key initiatives like the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards.

In March 2025 she was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).

On her last day as Children’s Commissioner, Liana spoke with KCV about the work of kinship carers and about the challenges and successes in her nine years in the role.

KCV thanks Liana.

Anne McLeish
Director
GPV/KCV

GPV/KCV supports moves to restrict screen time

With the introduction of the Australian Government’s ban on restricting the use of social media for children under 16, debate has continued to centre around online safety for children and young people.

This article outlines ways in which the issues have been addressed in different countries, all aiming to balance the benefits against the potential damaging effects of the technology, and should be of great interest to all carers.

Cheers,

Anne McLeish
Director

Dear Kinship Carers.

As a result of new requirements related to the care of children in out of home care recommended by the Royal Commission into Child Abuse, it is now important that carers follow the guidelines in relation to childcare. However, it remains easy to secure childcare for overnight stays for children with family and friends. Working with Children Checks are not required for this. The attached policy, which has very recently been checked by DFFH, should be of assistance to carers.

This policy is relevant to carers attending Carer KaFE retreats. Whilst Carer KaFE is not able to arrange childcare it is acceptable for carers to use the grant they receive when accepted for attendance to a retreat to subside this sort of family/friend overnight stay.

Cheers
Anne McLeish
Director

A new video from GPV/KCV on positive discipline

GPV/KCV is pleased to launch its video on positive discipline.  It is a feature in the GPV/KCV campaign to ensure that physical punishment of children is made illegal across Australia.

The video is a reminder that positive discipline can work and should be viewed in conjunction with reading written materials on positive discipline.

Non-physical types of discipline for children and young people (booklet)
Reasons not to hit children (article)
Physical punishment in Australia (video)

GPV/KCV commends signing the petition to have physical punishment made illegal across Australia.

This guide has been developed by KCV in response to previous nutrition seminars.

The articles in this magazine have been selected to reflect the conversations that took place at those seminars.