SNAICC – National Voice for our Children has welcomed the release of the National Child and Family Investment Strategy, describing it as a landmark national policy development that sets a clear direction to shift investment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations (ACCOs).
The Strategy represents a significant achievement under Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021–2031 and establishes a nationally agreed roadmap to guide governments in transitioning funding towards early intervention, prevention and culturally safe community-controlled services.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children said the Strategy can flip the focus from crisis to prevention for children, families and the organisations that support them.
“This strategy is the first of its kind, paving the way for governments to truly commit to closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children,” Ms Liddle said.
“For too long, child protection systems have focused on crisis responses and removing children, rather than investing early to keep families strong and together.
“The National Child and Family Investment Strategy makes it clear that governments need to redirect investment to where the evidence shows it will make the biggest difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children – early intervention and prevention and ACCO-led services.
“The Strategy provides a framework for genuine systemic reform.
“It commits all governments to a shared set of national principles and system elements to drive a proportionate and coordinated shift in funding towards early, targeted, healing-informed and culturally safe supports delivered by our ACCO sector.”
Despite extensive evidence supporting prevention and early intervention, the 2025 Family Matters Report shows that the vast majority of national child protection expenditure is still directed at the crisis point, including statutory intervention and out-of-home care.
“But a strategy alone won’t change outcomes, implementation and commitment will,” Ms Liddle said.
SNAICC is calling on all governments to move quickly and transparently to implement the Strategy, ensure ACCOs are properly resourced and deliver the system reform needed to change the trajectory for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
“The Federal Government and the majority of States and Territories committed to the Strategy at the end of 2025, with implementation plans for each jurisdiction due for completion by late 2026.
Now they need to take action to follow that commitment through,” Ms Liddle said.
Developed as Activity 2(a) of the Safe and Supported: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Action Plan 2023–2026, the Strategy was led by SNAICC in partnership with governments, the Safe and Supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group, and the ACCO and non-government sectors.
You can find the Strategy here.
The Strategy is being released alongside the ‘Changing the Balance’ Report undertaken by Families Australia and the Department of Social Services, which outlines the potential impact of transition on non-Indigenous non-government organisations (NGOs) – and make recommendations to enhance success in transition.
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For all media queries, please contact Charlie Bowcock on 0417 042 308 or media@snaicc.org.au
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