The Albanese Federal Government has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to Closing the Gap
for our children by reinstating funding in the October Budget for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family centres.
The Abbott Government cut funding in 2014 to 38 Aboriginal Child and Family Centres
(ACFCs), undermining efforts to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children had the best start in
life through accessing community-controlled early childhood education and services.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said the ACFCs represented a considerable investment from COAG and the
sector was still feeling the impacts of the cuts.
“While some State and Territory Governments took up parts of the funding challenge, many ACFCs
struggled to keep operating as integrated community-controlled early years services.
“The latest closing the gap data from the Productivity Commission showed a concerning decline in the
number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children assessed as being developmentally on track and
ready for school.
“This shows the importance of our children and families being able to access integrated early years
services from birth if we are to close the gap.
“With the Federal Government making early years reform a priority, any changes must take into account
the unique needs and barriers that face Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
“Reinstating the funding would be a start and demonstrate the new Government is serious about backing
Aboriginal-led solutions.”
August 25, 2022
Contact: SNAICC Mandy Taylor 0414 634 159
