SNAICC has welcomed the commitment by the South Australian Government to establishing an independent peak body for Aboriginal children and young people.
South Australian Aboriginal communities and organisations have advocated tirelessly over many years for a peak body representing the interests of children and families.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle welcomed the SA Government’s investment in this peak, which will ensure Aboriginal children and families have a say in the laws and policies that impact them.
“SNAICC was commissioned by the SA Government to conduct community consultations around the State about a preferred model and we developed an options paper that reflected the views and wishes of the SA Aboriginal community,” Ms Liddle said.
“It was made very clear through the consultations that a peak body was needed, desired and should be adequately funded to hear, support and represent Aboriginal children, families and organisations working in the sector.
“There was strong consensus that the focus of the peak body’s work should be on the child protection, family support, and early childhood education and development sectors.
“By partnering with Government, the peak will aim to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in the child protection system, including in care.
“It will also build the capacity of the Aboriginal community-controlled sector to provide the services and do the work.
“SNAICC would like to acknowledge members of the SA Aboriginal community, organisations and the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People April Lawrie for sharing their expertise and experiences during the consultations.
“We look forward to continuing the work, in partnership with the SA community, to establish this new peak body that will benefit all Aboriginal children and families in SA.”
Media contact: Dakoda Lally – media@snaicc.org.au
