SNAICC Annual Report 2024-2025
CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE
Aunty Muriel Bamblett
On behalf of the SNAICC Board and Council, I am pleased to present the 2024-2025 Annual Report.
The past 12 months have certainly provided an environment of change, opportunity and growth for SNAICC and our sector.
I’m very happy to report that we ended the 2024/2025 year in a strong, stable financial position with a firm foundation to weather any future uncertainty and challenges. Having a greater degree of financial stability has enabled SNAICC to have an even greater focus to realise the aspirations, needs and wants of our sector. We have developed programs, policies and advocacy campaigns in response to priorities identified by members and the sector, which you will see highlighted throughout this Annual Report.
I’m particularly proud that SNAICC has been establishing a Youth Voice mechanism, which will work directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to understand what’s important to them, guide and shape SNAICC work and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to contribute to national policy and advocacy. A Youth Voice subcommittee to SNAICC Council will be formed in the second half of 2025 to inform members of the work and identified priorities of young people to guide our work and deliberations.
As always, advancing the rights and wellbeing of our children and communities remain our driving force. To this end, the Board approved a new Strategic Plan to guide SNAICC’s work over the next three years. The Strategic Plan strongly articulates our Vision, Purpose and Strategic Priorities and I urge everyone to take the time to read this document on the SNAICC website and watch the accompanying animation.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of former SNAICC Board members Kathleen Pinkerton from WA who retired earlier this year and Garth Morgan from Queensland. On behalf of the Board and Council, I extend my thanks for their work and dedication to ensuring a strong and successful national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Thank you to all our supporters for your input and backing over the past year. I commend this report to you.
CEO’S MESSAGE
Catherine Liddle
Werte,
This past year has been a remarkable and challenging period for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, as well as for SNAICC. We have made significant strides in advancing our priorities, growing our influence, and delivering impactful initiatives. However, there is still much work ahead.
Despite a climate of uncertainty prior to the Federal election, SNAICC remained steadfast in our advocacy efforts. We proudly amplified the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, urging policymakers to support commitments that ensure our children’s safety, wellbeing, and connection to culture and community.
This year, we celebrated key milestones. The establishment of the Office of the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People marked a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of our children. Again, there is significant work to do in making sure the National Commissioner is supported by strong and meaningful legislation that gives them the powers they need to change the systems that see our children over-represented in child protection and youth justice systems.
A long-held priority was realised with the introduction of the Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025, removing barriers like the Activity Test by providing 100 hours of subsidised early education for our children—an essential move towards closing the gap. The December Mid-Tear Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) saw the continuation of funding for the Early Years Support (EYS) program for another 12 months and $11.4 million to extend the Early Childhood Care & Development Policy Partnership (ECCDPP) for three years.
We continue to work towards funding security for EYS and its expansion into other jurisdictions. The release of the Productivity Commission’s final report on ECEC underscored the importance of dedicated funding for Aboriginal community-controlled early years services and the removal of outdated barriers. Our advocacy is now more vital than ever as we work tirelessly to shape policies that empower our communities. We are excited to progress our Youth Voice initiative. By establishing a Youth Advisory Group and engaging directly with young people and youth organisations, we aim to embed their voices in our work, policies, and advocacy efforts, embodying our commitment to empowering the next generation.
Our strategic vision remains focused on ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children thrive in their early years, are safe, and remain connected to their families, communities, cultures, and Country. As we reflect on our achievements and look ahead, I am proud of the resilience, dedication, and unity of our team, partners, and communities. Together, we will continue to stand up for the rights of our children and build a future where they can all thrive.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment.