- Partnership Agreement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group for Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031 launched
- Landmark commitment from Federal Government, states, territories, and Aboriginal peoples on shared decision making
- Key priority in working together to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children in out of home care
State, Commonwealth and territory Ministers have launched a Partnership Agreement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group to implement Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031 (the National Framework) and its Action Plans.
The Partnership Agreement – which formalises shared decision-making arrangements – has been developed and endorsed by Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and the Safe and Supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group members, including Western Australian representatives.
The Safe and Supported Partnership Agreement is a commitment to partnership and shared decision-making in response to Closing the Gap, Priority Reform 1.
The National Framework outlines a 10-year strategy to improve the lives of all Australian children, young people and families, putting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and leaders at the heart of decision making.
The National Framework has two Action Plans including a specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Action Plan which aims to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system.
The State Government has already taken major steps to support and respond to the Framework at a State level, by partnering with the SNAICC National Voice for our Children to develop a 10-Year Roadmap to Reduce the Number of Aboriginal Children in Care.
The State Government continues to invest in earlier intervention and prevention with a range of initiatives under the Earlier Intervention and Family Support Strategy including the Aboriginal In-home Support Service, Intensive Family Support Services, Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making and Aboriginal Representative Organisations.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:
“It is a priority of the Cook Labor Government to keep children and young people safely at home with their family and community.
“This partnership agreement honours our commitment to shared decision-making with Aboriginal people and reflects the importance of working together to meet the needs of Aboriginal families and communities in Western Australia.
“I am committed to continuing to work alongside the Aboriginal Leadership Group to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families.”
