SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children welcomes the commitment of Federal, State and Territory Governments to actions that will enhance the safety of children by transforming the way governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The release of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Action Plan 2022-2026, under Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children, sees all governments support Indigenous-led solutions to support child development, safety and wellbeing for children and families.
SNAICC has been a key partner in developing the Safe and Supported Framework (released in December 2021) and the two Action Plans that put in place key commitments from all governments to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations to enhance child development, safety and well-being.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said Safe and Supported marked a significant milestone under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
“It shows the Priority Reforms of the Agreement in action, by ensuring we take the lead in decision making that directly affects our lives, transforming the way governments work with us and driving systemic change that will directly impact the lives of children,” Ms Liddle said.
“The reforms laid out in the Action Plans will put authority back into the hands of Aboriginal organisations and families, recognising we have the expertise and the solutions to deliver real and effective change so our children and families can thrive.
“If they are properly supported and resourced, the reforms in the Action Plans can make real and significant impact on issues such as those currently being faced in my home town of Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
“What we are seeing there is the culmination of many years of failed policy, where decisions have been taken for us, but without us. This cannot continue.
“The 8 actions outlined in each Action Plan are not quick fixes but what they will do is significantly transform systems and services for children and families so change is sustainable and effective.
“There will be less children having contact with the justice system, we will reduce the unacceptable numbers of our children going into out-of-home care and losing contact with kin and culture, and our children and families will be supported to thrive.”
Media contact: Mandy Taylor 0414634159
