Released 04/08/2023
The 2023 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme ‘Little Voices, Loud Futures’ celebrates the bright futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and the role their voices will play in paving a new path for our nation.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith and Chair of the Our Booris, Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee, Natalie Brown have come together today to acknowledge the strength, resilience and goals of the children and young people in our community and the work underway to implement the Our Booris, Our Way Review.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people deserve to have a voice on the things that affect them. It is up to us to listen,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
“This is just one of the many things the Our Booris, Our Way Review has reinforced for us.”
Ms Brown said: “The voices of children and families were crucial to the Our Booris, Our Way Review.
“It is these voices, along with the many who have joined them since the review was released, that drive us forward as we ask for urgent, immediate and long-lasting change.”
The ACT Government is committed to delivering on the recommendations from the Our Booris, Our Way Review and working in partnership with the Implementation Oversight Committee to achieve change.
“While we acknowledge there is still a great deal of work to be done to reduce over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care, to improve the experiences of those in care and to increase the opportunities for safe return to family, we also want to acknowledge the achievements made since the last National Day,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
In the last year:
· The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner position has been established with an interim Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Advocate appointed while recruitment takes place.
· A First Nations Family Support Team has been established. This experienced and dedicated team is working with families to keep children safe and connected to culture and community. They are developing a new Child and Youth Protection Services practice framework led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principles.
· The newly established Community Services Directorate Aboriginal Service Development Branch is facilitating development of the ACT’s Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) in partnership with the community, including supporting new, emerging and established ACCOs to engage in the procurement of out-of-home care services as outlined in Next Steps for Our Kids 2022-2030.
· To strengthen the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship carers a First Nations Kinship Liaison Officer has been recruited. This officer is providing targeted and culturally informed support for any kinship carers, regardless of where they are in their caring journey.
· A Care and Protection Legal Advocacy Service has also commenced. Provided by the Aboriginal Legal Service, it provides culturally appropriate legal and advocacy services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families coming into contact with the ACT’s child protection system.
· Critical changes are being made to the Children and Young People Act 2008. Consultation on the first of two stages for legislative change concluded on 27 July 2023. The legal, policy and practice changes that will be informed by these changes will positively shape our care and protection system and how it works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
“The progress this year is promising. Our voices are starting to be heard,” said Ms Brown.
“But it is critical that we maintain momentum and make real progress on key recommendations around supports and services that are accessible, Aboriginal-led and address key social determinants including housing, health, education and justice.”
In the spirit of this National Day, the Gulunga Program (ACTCOSS) and Our Booris, Our Way Committee are hosting a Symposium on 31 August, Working Together for Our Booris. This event, to be held at the QT Hotel, will bring community together to discuss these little voices and how to make their futures loud and strong.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases