SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, will play a vital role in progressing the rights of children over the next ten years through the Joint Council on Closing the Gap.
The establishment of the Joint Council is a significant, historic moment in the relationship between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, working in genuine collaboration to deliver greater outcomes for First Australians.
The Joint Council is the outcome of a formal partnership agreement between the Federal Government, states, territories, and the National Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations, a group of 40 community-controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies.
The Joint Council will play the important role of finalising the refresh of the Closing the Gap framework and monitoring its implementation over the next ten years.
A number of community priority areas have been established for the next ten years, with SNAICC taking a lead on matters related to families, children, youth, education and family violence.
SNAICC will be represented on the Joint Council by SNAICC Chair Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett AO, while SNAICC Director and Co-Chair of the Family Matters campaign Natalie Lewis is a representative for Queensland, bringing renowned knowledge and experience to this new important decision-making body.
The partnership agreement between the Federal Government, the states and territories, and our community-controlled organisations is a significant step forward in ensuring the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are heard and valued.
“The insight of our peak bodies, who do such incredible work fighting for the realisation of rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, is absolutely essential for a successful Closing the Gap.”
– Muriel Bamblett, SNAICC Chair
The Joint Council has met for the first time today, and will review the National Indigenous Reform Agreement (NIRA) and finalise a refreshed Closing the Gap framework and targets within the coming months.
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