The 2024 Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture

The rate of homelessness in Australia is steadily increasing, disproportionately affecting our most vulnerable people, children. 2021 Census data revealed that homelessness in Tasmania increased by 45 percent since 2016, with one quarter of our homeless population aged 12-24.

Last year in Australia, over 13,000 children aged 10-17 sought help alone from specialist homelessness services. Without targeted intervention these unaccompanied children risk transitioning into the cohort of homeless young adults accessing homelessness services, which numbered 30,000 last year. These figures paint an alarming picture of systems failing young Australians, highlighting the immediate crisis and the urgent need for prevention and response measures.

So, what can be done about unaccompanied child homelessness, or is the problem ultimately too complex? Gain insights from our expert, Associate Professor Catherine Robinson, as she explores solutions and discusses how we might eradicate homelessness among unaccompanied children in Tasmania and beyond, hosted by Tasmania's Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People.

The expert
Catherine Robinson is an Associate Professor in Communities and Social Justice at the University of Tasmania and serves as a Board Director of Homelessness Australia, Colony 47, and the Youth Network of Tasmania. She leads a research and impact program focused on strengthening policy and service responses to homelessness for priority populations, including children, young people, women and those sleeping rough. Her work is supported through extensive frontline partnerships and she has strong community sector roots through past employment with Salvation Army and Anglicare Tasmania. Catherine is also known for her work with Blackfella Films as Series Consultant and Co-Host of the SBS factual documentary Filthy Rich and Homeless.

The host
Isabelle Crompton is currently Tasmania’s Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People (CCYP), having served as the Director of the Office of the CCYP since 2021. In her role she draws from over two decades of experience in legal practice, advocacy, and influencing policy and law reform concerning children's rights and wellbeing. Isabelle has extensive experience as a youth justice and child protection lawyer and is a former member of Tasmania's Mental Health Tribunal. Isabelle holds degrees in law and sociology from the University of Tasmania.

Pre-event refreshments
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

Attend online
Prefer to attend online? Secure your tickets here.

The Sandy Duncanson Legacy
Tasmanian lawyer Alexander (Sandy) Duncanson died in June 2010 at the age of 37, after surviving cancer for 16 years. Sandy was widely respected for his work in the community legal and housing sectors. In 2002 Sandy visited Woomera Detention Centre and interviewed refugees seeking asylum. At the time he was still a law student and this experience had a lasting impact, inspiring Sandy to dedicate his working life to social justice.

The University of Tasmania holds a public lecture in Sandy's name each year, raising awareness of social justice issues amongst University of Tasmania students and staff, legal practitioners and other professionals, and across the wider Tasmanian community.

Parking
Free parking is available at the venue.

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Image provided by Anglicare Tasmania. Illustrator: Beth-Emily Gregory.