Pay rise for early educators, Children’s Day 2024 & First Nations Playgroup Pilot – SNAICC in the News

SNAICC in the News – Pay rise for early educators, Children’s Day 2024 & funding for Connected Beginnings and the First Nations Playgroup Pilot

The week of 5 August 2024 saw significant developments in the early childhood education and care sector, including a pay rise for early educators, funding for the Connected Beginnings and First Nations Playgroup programs and events around Australia for Children’s Day 2024.

The Federal Government has announced a $3.6 billion plan that would see a significant 15% pay rise for early educators to be delivered over two years. SNAICC has welcomed the pay rise for early educators, however, Catherine Liddle, SNAICC CEO, has expressed concerns that it does not address the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. SNAICC calls for a new funding model tailored to Aboriginal community-controlled early education services and the development of a dedicated workforce.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day was celebrated this week with over 100 events across Australia, embracing the theme Strong in Culture, Stronger Together. SNAICC joined Ngura Yadurirn and Minya Bunhii in Ceduna, South Australia, for a vibrant celebration with around 300 children in attendance with family and community.

During an RN Radio interview, Catherine Liddle discussed the slow progress of Closing the Gap targets, attributing it to a lack of genuine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement. She voiced opposition to proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility in the Northern Territory and discussed the monumental impact the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children will have, advocating for a fully empowered and independent role, saying it will be the most powerful human rights instrument ever to be developed in Australia

The Connected Beginnings program is expanding to Wyong and Gosford on the NSW Central Coast, with a $3.8 million Federal Government investment. This program aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-5 by providing integrated early childhood health, education, and family support services. Also announced was First Nations Playgroup Pilot, with over $2.1 million in funding, which aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through accessible and culturally safe play spaces. The pilot will enhance existing playgroups and support new ones, focusing on community-led initiatives and early learning.

The 24th Garma Festival was held over the weekend at Gulkula, a ‘significant ceremonial site about 40 kilometres from Nhulunbuy on the Gove peninsula, the festival showcases Yolngu culture through traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and storytelling’ (NIT). With the theme Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu, symbolising fire, strength and renewal. At Garma Festival, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced new policies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic empowerment, including a First Nations Economic Partnership and a $20 million investment in the Garma Institute. The festival also saw a historic apology from NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy for past injustices and revealed ongoing efforts to address systemic racism within the police force.

For complete coverage, read the news and media stories linked below.

Topic: Pay rise for early educators

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood education and care workers over the next two years.

The Federal Government announced on Thursday 8 August a significant pay rise for early educators, addressing one of the lowest-paid sectors in Australia with a $3.6 billion plan. Over 200,000 early childhood educators will receive a 15% pay increase phased over two years. Starting in December, workers can expect an additional $103 per week, rising to $155 per week by December 2025. However, this pay rise is contingent upon childcare centres agreeing to limit fee increases for parents to 4.4 per cent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the increase would ensure better wages and conditions for workers, addressing concerns from the Productivity Commission inquiry into universal childcare about the need to improve wages to maintain a stable workforce.

Catherine Liddle, SNAICC CEO, raised concerns that this approach does not address the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. While recognising the positive impact of wage increases, Catherine points out that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are less likely to engage in early learning and often start school at a developmental disadvantage. Also raising the concern that the current market-based funding model fails to support Aboriginal community-controlled centres that provide wraparound family support.

SNAICC is calling for:

• a new, dedicated funding model incorporating block and needs-based funding for Aboriginal community-controlled early education and care services, that matches resources to wrap-around support needs in each community
• the building and sustaining of a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early years workforce
• ongoing funding for Aboriginal community-controlled early years services backbone support.

For complete coverage, view the news and media stories linked below.

Topic: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2024

This week, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day saw a weeklong outpouring of celebration and cultural engagement across Australia.

This year’s Children’s Day theme, ‘Strong in Culture, Stronger Together‘, echoed through celebrations nationwide, reinforcing the importance of pride in culture and community. Social media buzzed with mentions and tags, amplifying the day’s message and showcasing the diverse range of events. Over 100 events were registered on the SNAICC website, reflecting a national enthusiasm for honouring and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

From Kirriri/Hammond Island in the Torres Strait to Galiwin’ku at the top of the Northern Territory, Bunbury in Western Australia to Moruya on the south coast of New South Wales to Gunditjmara country in Victoria, communities came together to celebrate culture and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

In Ceduna, South Australia, SNAICC proudly joined Ngura Yadurirn and Minya Bunhii for a vibrant celebration with around 300 children in attendance with family and community. Activities included face painting, rock painting, damper making, weaving and LEGO building. Catherine Liddle spoke highly of the day’s significance, saying that National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a special occasion to share our culture, stories and dreams with all Australians and an opportunity for communities to come together, celebrate our heritage and recognise the promising future of our next generation of leaders.

Celebrations included:

• NSW Department of Education, Tamworth: A lively event at the Sports Dome, hosted by Aboriginal actor Luke Carroll, featuring performances by didgeridoo player Mark Atkins, young musician Kyla-Belle Roberts and Wiradjuri performer Uncle Johnny Huckle. Activities included singing, dancing and cultural performances that highlighted the theme of cultural pride and connection.
• Coffs Harbour: One of the 100 national celebrations, focusing on cultural activities such as arts and crafts and traditional dances. The event aimed to provide children from the Stolen Generations with a positive space to connect with their heritage and celebrate their identity.
• Mount Gambier: Celebrated at City Hall with traditional dances, crafts and games. The theme ‘Strong Together, Stronger in Culture‘ was emphasised through engaging activities that reinforced cultural connections among children.
• Burdekin: Hosted a festive event featuring traditional dances, crafts and a free sausage sizzle. Organized by Rebecca Aldridge, the event celebrated cultural heritage and supported children from the Stolen Generations, fostering a sense of community and pride.
• Lake Tyers Health and Children’s Services: Reflected on their history of early childhood education while celebrating the day. The organisation celebrated the recent establishment of a new kindergarten facility and the importance of accessible education and cultural continuity for local children.
• Qld Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages: Released two new commemorative birth certificates featuring artwork by Aboriginal artist Brooke Sutton and Badu Island artist Matilda Nona, commemorating National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
• University of New England: Hosted a webinar titled ‘Strengthening Aboriginal Children’s Voices: Cocooning in Culture through Culturally Situated Trauma-Informed Practice,‘ focusing on trauma-informed practices for Aboriginal children.

Thank you to all the organisations, schools, services and individuals who celebrated, tagged SNAICC on social media and registered events. Your participation and enthusiasm made this year’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day a memorable and impactful occasion, reinforcing the value of cultural identity and community support for our children.

For complete coverage, view the news and media stories linked below.

Topic: Catherine Liddle on RN Radio

Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, appeared on RN Radio on Thursday 8 August, discussing Closing the Gap, the upcoming Northern Territory election and the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.

Catherine spoke about the historical context of closing the gap, noting that the concept predates the 2008 report, instead originating from Tom Calma’s 2005 Social Justice Report. She expressed concerns about the slow progress in achieving the Closing the Gap targets after it was revealed last week that only five of 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track. Catherine attributed this largely to the failure to fully incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in the process. Catherine said that meaningful progress requires community-driven solutions and the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in shaping policies and funding allocation. Without this, government efforts fail to address underlying issues effectively. Catherine continued to stress that closing the gap starts with our children, noting that significant reforms have yet to begin in areas that impact them most.

On the upcoming Northern Territory election, Catherine touched on the election’s focus on Aboriginal children, particularly voicing against the proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 10. She argued that this proposal does not account for the developmental differences between young children and adults and shone a light on the harmful effects of detention on young people. Catherine pointed out that such measures fail to address the systemic issues leading to youth crime, including insufficient early support and failings of the child protection system. She stressed the need for policies that empower communities and tackle these fundamental issues, rather than using Aboriginal children as political leverage.

Catherine also discussed the establishment of the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children, noting its potential to address systemic issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. She emphasised the importance of the role being fully empowered, legislated and independent to be effective, saying that if the role is fully realised the way it is anticipated, it will be the most powerful human rights instrument ever to be developed in Australia. Catherine expressed that the position would soon be realised to help shine a light on areas needing reform and to work with governments to implement necessary changes.

Listen to the full interview through the link below.

Topic: Connected Beginnings program expands on the NSW Central Coast

The Australian Government announced this week the expansion of the Connected Beginnings program to the New South Wales Central Coast.

The Australian Government announced on Tuesday 6 August $3.8 million in funding to Barang Regional Alliance to establish Connected Beginnings sites in Wyong and Gosford. The program aims to prepare Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-5 for school by connecting them with early childhood health, education and family support services. The program, which is seeing success across Australia, will support approximately 2,400 local children, contributing to the Closing the Gap targets.

The program is led by community-led decision-making, ensuring that services are culturally safe and tailored to the needs of the community. The new sites are part of a larger $81.8 million investment to expand Connected Beginnings to 50 locations across Australia, potentially supporting up to 20% of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-5. The program is a collaboration between the Government, SNAICC and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, with a focus on enhancing early learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Catherine Liddle and Barang Regional Alliance highlighted the importance of culturally safe, community-driven approaches to supporting children’s early development. Catherine spoke on the significant impact the Connected Beginnings program has on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, praising the program for providing culturally safe integration of essential services, including maternal and child health, early childhood education and care and family support. She put an emphasis on the program’s community-led approach, which ensures that services are co-designed to meet the specific needs and priorities of local families with a model that respects and incorporates Aboriginal cultural practices into service delivery, making the support more effective and relevant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Ged Kearney and Member for Dobell Emma McBride emphasised the program’s role in closing the health and education gaps for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The new sites in Wyong and Gosford, supported by Barang Regional Alliance, will give local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children the necessary tools to transition smoothly into primary school by offering wraparound support tailored to their cultural and developmental needs.

For complete coverage, view the news and media stories linked below.

Topic: First Nations Playgroup Pilot

The Australian Government announced Monday, 5 August the First Nations Playgroup Pilot, investing over $2.1 million to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families through play.

The First Nations Playgroups Pilot offers accessible and affordable play spaces, resources and support for parents. The funding will be distributed to thirteen Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, enhancing opportunities for culturally safe services. SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said that the program’s community-led approach will allow local groups to address specific needs and integrate early learning with other services. Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlighted the benefits of playgroups in fostering early learning, development and community connections.

The pilot supports two of the four reform priorities under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: formal partnerships with First Nations people and strengthening the community-controlled sector. It also aligns with Target 4 of the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, which aims to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children meeting developmental milestones.

For complete coverage, view the news and media stories linked below.

Topic: Garma Festival

The 24th Garma Festival was held over the weekend at Gulkula, a ‘significant ceremonial site about 40 kilometres from Nhulunbuy on the Gove peninsula, the festival showcases Yolngu culture through traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and storytelling’ (NIT).

This year’s Garma Festival provided an important platform to address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, taking place just days after the release of the Productivity Commission’s Closing the Gap review. This year’s theme was Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu, symbolising fire, strength and renewal.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the Garma Festival to announce a shift in focus towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic empowerment. He introduced policies aimed at leveraging Australia’s clean energy transition with the aim to benefit remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including the establishment of a First Nations Economic Partnership and a $20 million investment in the Garma Institute. Albanese reaffirmed his commitment to the Uluru Statement’s Makarrata, a Yolŋu word for reconciliation and treaty-making, which outline aspirations for a fair and honest relationship with government and a better future for our children based on justice and self-determination.

The festival also saw Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy deliver a historic apology to Aboriginal Territorians for past harms and injustices caused by the NT Police. Murphy acknowledged historical failures, including the 1928 punitive raids and the Coniston massacre, and committed to eliminating racism within the police force. The appointment of Leanne Liddle, an Arrernte woman, as executive director of the community resilience and engagement command, aims to address these issues through anti-racism strategies and improved police-community interactions.