ABSTRACT

This chapter provides background information on the two parliamentary inquiries held in the state of New South Wales (NSW), which invited submissions and heard presentations that addressed questions and concerns about how built environment impacts the lives of children and young people. It focuses on the State's major cities which are experiencing rapid and persistent population growth. The NSW Parliamentary Committee on Children and Young People resolved in May 2005 to conduct an inquiry into children, young people and built environment. The 2005 Inquiry was the first of its kind in Australia to initiate a discussion about how built environment policies and practices impact the lives of children and young people. A follow-up inquiry was conducted in 2009, specifically to hear from the Commissioner for Children and Young People, "and any other witnesses agreed by the Committee; and report to both houses of Parliament on the Inquiry" on the progress made on recommendations as set out in the 2005 Inquiry.