“Sexual abuse is a really serious crime, which has a devastating impact on children, families and communities — this is not a political football.
“If Mr Dutton, any politician, or any community member has evidence about sexual abuse of children then the mandatory process is to make a report to the authorities.
“The claims of ‘rampant’ abuse fly in the face of evidence. Data from Territory Families show there has been no escalation in investigations of sexual abuse or exploitation.
“SNAICC invites Mr Dutton and Senator Price to meet with SNAICC and community members for a considered, evidence-based discussion of the issue of child sexual abuse and the over representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system. Despite an invitation last year, they have never approached SNAICC for more information or to hear about community-led solutions.
“Mr Dutton was a member of the Abbott Cabinet that cut more than $500 million in funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, and another nearly $80 million to Aboriginal and Child Family Centres that supported our vulnerable children and families.
“Aboriginal children are over-represented in the child protection system and this is an increasing trend. The reality is our children are removed from family at increasing and unacceptable rates, not because they are not loved but because of poverty, systemic racism and a lack of cultural-appropriate support to vulnerable families.
“Aboriginal communities and families have the solutions. We have more than 60 thousand years experience in successfully raising children to be strong and thriving. Listen to our
voices and our expertise.”
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Media contact: Mandy Taylor (SNAICC) 0414 634 159
Background:
SNAICC’s 2022 Family Matters reports examined what governments are doing to turn the tide on over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait children in out of home care and the outcomes for children. It also highlighted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions and call on governments to support and invest in the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to lead on child wellbeing, development and safety responses for our children.
https://www.familymatters.org.au/the-family-matters-report-2022/
