Our Work

What We Do

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak body leading systemic and structural reform to protect and advance the rights, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities across Australia.

As one of the longest-standing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies in the country, SNAICC plays a central role in shaping national policy, practice and reform. We develop evidence-informed policy, produce national guidelines and advocate at all levels of government for change that delivers real outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, communities and organisations. We work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, governments and non-Indigenous services to strengthen service design and delivery, improve decision-making, and increase accountability across systems that affect children and families.

Our interconnected roles

At a national level, SNAICC’s work is grounded in three interconnected roles. Together, they strengthen the sector and drive lasting change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.

• Research, Policy and Leadership: We seek to understand and share what works to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, and translate this knowledge into policy and practice. Through research on critical issues and strong leadership, we support sustained systemic and institutional change that delivers positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
• Community and Sector Voice: We engage closely with communities and the sector to understand their priorities, needs and aspirations. Through our members, sector forums and direct engagement, we amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and build strong, respectful relationships with decision-makers to influence change.
• Sector Development: We support the strength, sustainability and effectiveness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations. Our sector development work focuses on improving service quality, access and long-term viability, so all children and families can access culturally strong, responsive supports.

How We Work

As the national non-government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led peak body, SNAICC amplifies the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, communities and the community-controlled sector at a national level.

Our work builds on more than 43 years of community leadership, grounded in over 65,000 years of care, nurture and cultural knowledge. We advance the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families, and support the self-determination of communities so every child and young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential, growing up strong in culture, supported by strong families and thriving within self-determined communities.

We do this by:

• strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations through targeted training, resources and workshops,
• translating research and evidence into strong, independent policy advice,
• amplifying the collective voice of our members and advocating for systemic and structural change,
• partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, NGOs and non-Indigenous services to improve service design and delivery,
• influencing national decision-making through committees, forums and advisory roles, and
• building national understanding through initiatives such as National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, Family Matters and the SNAICC National Conference.

From grassroots practice to national policy tables, we work to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people shape the systems that affect their lives and grow up safe, connected to family, community, culture and Country.