SNAICC congratulates the returning Coalition Government, and is ready to work alongside a new Indigenous Affairs Minister and Social Services Minister to prioritise better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
We believe that this most urgently requires a national strategy, with generational targets, to eliminate over-representation of our children in out-of-home care and address the causes of child removal, as well as ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have adequate access to quality education in the early years of their lives.
The complexity and depth of the issue – spanning both federal and state government powers – requires a holistic national strategy if we are to make any real dents. The incoming Federal Government has a responsibility to demonstrate commitment and leadership by starting this process, premised on the principles of self-determination and partnership agreed under the Closing the Gap refresh process.”
– Muriel Bamblett, SNAICC Chairperson
We need to see better commitment from our federal leaders to break the cycle of trauma for our children and families, and support evidence-based, community-led solutions.
“So many Aboriginal children aren’t able to access early years education, which is such a crucial time in their education journey. It’s clearly an area that Australia should and must be doing better.
“There are over 17,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care at this very minute, having been removed from their families; there’s no denying that’s a national crisis. Through the Closing the Gap refresh, the government has shown a clear desire to work with communities to address this crisis, and we’re hopeful that a strong relationship with a new minister can produce some real change for our children and families.”
– Muriel Bamblett, SNAICC Chairperson
This week SNAICC is leading the Family Matters campaign National Week of Action, to raise awareness of the causes and solutions to the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the out-of-home care system.
Throughout the National Week of Action, from 20-26 May, child welfare organisations and individual supporters from across the country are encouraged to play their part in raising awareness about the escalating number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children being removed from family.
Family Matters seeks to foster an environment where there is wellbeing, safety and stability for all children. For Aboriginal children this means fostering a greater sense of belonging by growing up in family and community, and in a society that respects and values who they are as Aboriginal people.”
– Muriel Bamblett, SNAICC Chairperson
In the lead up to both the federal election and the National Week of Action, SNAICC has clearly identified key components of the national strategy for the new Federal Government. Chief amongst these are:
- increased investment in family support and reunification services;
- a framework for expansion and development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector; and
- a specific program to increase coverage of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander early education and care services in areas of low access and high vulnerability.
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