The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin said establishing a Federal Children's Commissioner was key action under the Government's National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009-2020. "We want every child to grow up safe, happy and well. The new Commissioner will represent the views of children and young people, particularly those most vulnerable, at the national level," Ms Macklin said. 

Minister for Community Services Julie Collins said children and young people need a national advocate to ensure their rights are reflected in national policies and programs. "The National Children's Commissioner will have a key role in advocating for the rights of children across Australia," Ms Collins said. "The national Commissioner will not duplicate but complement the work of states and territories, particularly the work of other commissioners and guardians." 

The Children's Commissioner will take a broad advocacy role to promote public awareness of issues affecting children, conduct research and education programs, consult directly with children and representative organisations as well as monitor Commonwealth legislation, policies and programs that relate to children's rights, wellbeing and development. 

The Government will call for expressions of interest for the position shortly. Legislation for the Commissioner will be introduced later this year and the new Commissioner is expected to take office by the end of 2012.

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY CONFERENCE

AUSTRALIAN SUCCESS!

At the end of March I proudly attended and presented at the 3^rd Australian Positive Psychology Conference hosted by the Australian Institute of Business Well-being, Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong.

To quote one of the international keynote speakers, Todd Kashdan -

"I just finished one of the best positive psychology conferences in my

career to date. Skeptics were welcome. This conference welcomed all views and debate panels were incredibly civil despite different perspectives.  Do this and PP has a future".

The framework and the content of the conference were diverse, thought provoking and cutting edge for the following reasons: -

1. FOCUS

The conference focused on four key sub-fields of Positive Psychology theory research and practice; Positive Education, Positive Health, Positive Organisations and Positive Policy. 

2.  PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

These gave us the rare opportunity to learn and interact with some of the most influential leaders in the field of Psychology and Positive Psychology. For example:

§ Dr Richard Ryan - Enhancing self-motivation in others.

A widely published researcher and co-developer of one of the most researched theories in human motivation, Self Determination Theory.

http://www.selfdeterminationtheory.org/

§ Dr Paul Wong -  Meaning-Centred Approach to Positive Management.

A highly respected researcher and publisher who has spent the last 50 years researching and writing on the topics of meaning and acceptance. http://www.drpaulwong.com

§ Kim Cameron - Positive Leadership in Organisations

Professor of Management and Organisations and Professor of Higher Education at the University of Michigan. His current research focuses on the virtuousness of and in organisations and their relationships to organizational success.

http://www.bus.umich.edu/FacultyBios/FacultyBio.asp?id=000120055/%20target=_new

§ Todd Kashdan -  Harnassing Curiosity

Associate Professor of Psychology at George Mason University and key researcher in Positive Psychology and the concept of Curiosity. http://psychfaculty.gmu.edu/kashdan/index.php

3.  EMERGING RESEARCHERS' SYMPOSIUM

An entire day was allocated to emerging research where the international and national experts in the field were presented with the latest Australian PhD research in Positive Psychology.  I presented on my own topic of Mental Fitness. All researchers were provided with invaluable feedback and questioned by a panel that was genuinely interested in the science and helping new talent in the field of Positive Psychology. 

4.  SCIENCE / PRACTITIONER BALANCE

As a committed science/practitioner, I thought there was an excellent balance between science and practice, an often "missing component" both at conferences and in the field.  The research is important and so is how we apply it to make a positive difference to individuals, schools, organisations and the wider community.

This is just a brief summary of why this Aussie conference was successful.  For a more detailed description go to:

http://www.uow.edu.au/sbs/positive2012/aboutconference/index.html

I will let Paul Wong have the last word:

"The conference showcased the Australian spirit of openness, acceptance, and zest for living. It is a conference where every voice is heard and respected. Even a maverick like me feels welcome.

After speaking in three cities in Australia within a week, I have met many wonderful people, even though not everyone agrees with me regarding the need for PP 2.0".

If any of the Wellbeing Australia readers would like to discuss any aspects of this article, the conference or Positive Psychology, please contact me:

Paula Robinson

paula@positivepsychologyinstitute.com