How can I contribute to the process?
There are a range of ways that you can contribute, including:
- providing a written submission by 19 May 2021 to submissions@snaicc.org.au
- a Consultation Guide has been developed to outline the key questions that we are seeking feedback on
- participating in a survey by 19 May 2021
- participating in a virtual or face-to-face consultation (by invitation).
Will my feedback be made public?
The feedback you provide may be made public, but will not include information that identifies who you are. If you provide a written submission, it may be published online, but you can also tell us that you do not want your submission to be published.
How will you ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s voices are heard?
We want to hear from services that work directly with children, and that understand their needs. We are also working with partner organisations that will ask families that they work with about what makes their children strong in their early years. Our partners organisations will also ask children to draw what makes them feel happy.
If you work with or know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who would like to contribute a drawing to inform the strategy, you can download this Activity Sheet, and read this Information Sheet for families and carers for guidance.
- Take a photo or scan your child’s drawing and send to submissions@snaicc.org.au
- Please note: these drawings may be featured on an online gallery as part of the Strategy. A child’s identity will not be shown.
How does this relate to the current consultations being undertaken by SNAICC to develop the successor plan to the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children?
They will be separate documents and processes. However, both the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy and the successor plan to the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children are being co-designed through a process. There are numerous areas where these two documents overlap and we will be working to ensure that they are aligned.
What are the next steps?
SNAICC and National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) will consider all of the feedback provided during this co-design process and use it to inform the development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy.
When will the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy be finalised?
It is expected that the Strategy will be finalised in mid-2021.
What is the age range that the Strategy will be focusing on?
The Strategy’s focus will be on children aged 0-5 years old, as well as support to their families.
What is the duration of the Strategy?
A specific timeframe is yet to be decided but there is agreement that the Strategy should be a long term approach in order to achieve real outcomes.
Has any funding been announced for the Strategy?
No funding has been announced yet. Governments must consider the funding and resources that will be needed to implement the Strategy once it is finalised.
Will the Strategy be endorsed by state and territory governments?
State, territory and local governments are primarily responsible for many of the service systems and investment in the delivery of early childhood services and programs. The National Indigenous Australians Agency is speaking with state and territory governments as part of the development of the Strategy.
Who can I contact to discuss the development of the Strategy?
If you would like further information about the development of the Strategy, please contact Nicolette Solomon at SNAICC by emailing submissions@snaicc.org.au
