SNAICC in the News for the week of 18 March 2024
This week’s SNAICC in the News covers the terms of reference for the NT Gov review into the Youth Justice Act, which will include SNAICC CEO, Catherine Liddle, as well as the announcement of the theme for Children’s Day 2024.
On Wednesday, 20 March, the Northern Territory Government released the terms of reference for its review into the Youth Justice Act, which will examine the NT youth justice system and consider the impact of recommendations from the 2017 Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory. SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle will be a part of the independent review group, chaired by Western Australian Commissioner for Victims of Crime Kati Kraszlan, and will include Darwin-based barrister Trevor Moses.
This week, we also announced the theme for 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, Strong in Culture, Stronger Together, which is to elevate the intention of Children’s Day, focusing on the strength of our children that comes from their connection to culture and mob.
For a comprehensive look, read the news and media stories linked below.
Topic: NT Gov review into the Youth Justice Act
On Wednesday, 20 March, the Northern Territory Government released the terms of reference for its review into the Youth Justice Act, which will examine the NT youth justice system and consider the impact of recommendations from the 2017 Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.
The independent review group, chaired by Western Australian Commissioner for Victims of Crime Kati Kraszlan, will include SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle and Darwin-based barrister Trevor Moses. On Thursday 21 March, Catherine Liddle appeared on ABC Radio’s Darwin Breakfast program to discuss the review and the youth crisis in the Northern Territory and across Australia.
Whether the NT youth justice system meets the needs and expectations of young people and victims of crime will be examined in the review, with the final report to be handed to government by 30 November.
Radio Story: Catherine Liddle radio interview on the NT Gov review into the Youth Justice Act – ABC Radio (Darwin Breakfast) (broadcast 21 March : timestamp: 2:19:53)
Excerpt:
Listen to the full interview“… [the review] is the piece that will look at where are the systemic failures – what we know… is we have a youth crisis… so the review is looking at what causes that and how do we fix those problems, so that we get rid of the problem to start with.
… the Justice Review is about looking at what the evidence-based solutions are.“
Article: Residential Youth Justice Facilities Underway – Mirage News (published 20 March)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“The Territory Labor Government is also progressing the Youth Justice Review, today announcing an independent panel and terms of reference. Western Australian commissioner for Victims of Crime Kati Kraszlan will chair the three-member Independent Review Panel, which will be supported by a team of senior government officials
Catherine Liddle – children’s advocate and CEO of the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) and experienced Darwin-based barrister Trevor Moses are other panel members. The panel will consider the impact of the implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, and focus on early intervention, targeted responses, and detention.“
Topic: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2024 announced
This week we announced the theme for 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, Strong in Culture, Stronger Together, which is to elevate the intention of Children’s Day, focusing on the strength of our children that comes from their connection to culture and mob.
This year we stand with our children, proud of their culture, stories, kin and community – all that makes our children special, resilient and the bright leaders of our future. We hope that this year’s Children’s Day theme empowers our children, making them feel proud of who they are and where they come from. Showing them that their culture is one of the most sacred, strong and important assets that they can have. If our children are strong in culture, then they are strong in their identity, and this is important for future generations to come.
Each year on the 4th of August, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities – and all Australians – come together to celebrate the strengths and culture of our children. As always, we will be marking the day on August 4 to commemorate the origins of Children’s Day. This year’s Children’s Day falls on a Sunday, so services and organisations are encouraged to hold their events on Friday, August 2 if they wish.
Our vision is for our children to thrive, be strong in culture and connected to kin and community – our children should be proud to come from the oldest living culture in the world.
Find out more about Children's DayArticle: 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme announced – The Sector (published 19 March)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“SNAICC, National Voice for our Children has announced the theme for this year’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day as Strong in Culture, Stronger Together.
Each year on 4 August, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities – and all Australians – come together to celebrate the strengths and culture of First Nations children. Hundreds of early years and childhood education centres host annual events to celebrate Children’s Day. Events can take place at your service or in partnership with a local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation or community.“
Topic: National Closing the Gap Day 2024
Thursday 21 March 2024 was National Close the Gap Day.
Closing the Gap is about ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive and succeed. Setting them up for a future where they are healthy, strong in their identity, growing up safe with family and community, and connected to culture and country.
This video is to celebrate National Close the Gap Day and highlight the importance of Closing the Gap, emphasising the need for governments to prioritise early education and care for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child. It highlights the collective effort required to achieve this goal and reminds us that progress begins with ensuring equal access to essential resources for all children.