SNAICC has welcomed the launch of Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036, describing it as a landmark, long-term commitment to community-led change.
Developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the plan draws on the collective wisdom and leadership of its Steering Committee and reflects decades of advocacy calling for culturally safe, self-determined responses.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children said the strength of the plan lies in its clear focus on community-controlled solutions and family strengthening as the foundation of safety and wellbeing.
“When families are supported to be safe and strong, children are safer too,” Ms Liddle said.
“We know that child removal is often a consequence of unaddressed harm so preventing violence is an important factor in reducing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children entering the out-of-home care system.
“A child protection system that responds after violence has occurred is not enough. Safety starts earlier, with family support, healing and culturally grounded programs that keep children connected to family and community.
SNAICC also welcomed the plan’s commitment to addressing the underlying drivers of violence, including poverty, housing insecurity, mental health challenges, alcohol and other drug use, gambling, and unmet disability and developmental needs.
“This plan recognises that violence does not occur in isolation. Safety is shaped by systems such as justice, health, housing, education and child protection which must be reformed to be culturally safe, accessible and accountable.
Ms Liddle said the launch of a standalone, 10-year national plan, designed to sit outside election cycles sends a clear signal of long-term commitment to addressing family, domestic and sexual violence at its roots.
“For too long, our communities have been telling governments the same truth, violence against our women and children is a national crisis.
“This is a roadmap for lasting change, grounded in community leadership, collective wisdom and a shared responsibility to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence.”
Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices is a joint commitment to work towards achieving Target 13 of the National Agreement, that: By 2031, the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children is reduced at least by 50%, as progress towards zero.
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For all media queries, please contact Charlie Bowcock on 0417 042 308 or media@snaicc.org.au
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