The National Executive of SNAICC met on Wednesday, 20 April 2011 and stood down the Chairperson, Mr Steven Larkins, following charges being laid against Mr Larkins on that day by Newcastle police on serious matters involving child pornography.
The National Executive has moved quickly to appoint Ms Dawn Wallam as Acting Chairperson, in order to allow SNAICC to continue with the important and challenging task of advocating for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.
Ms Wallam, from Western Australia, said she was committed to the position of Acting Chairperson for as long as the National Executive deemed necessary.
She said the issues involving Mr Larkins were a matter for the police.
Ms Wallam said SNAICC was distressed and shocked by the charges, and would be offering all necessary support to SNAICC’s member organisations and partners.
No further comment will be made at this time.
All media inquiries: Frank Hytten (SNAICC CEO) on 0432 345 652