Press Release

New Closing the Gap targets look to create a brighter future for Aboriginal children

A new National Agreement has been signed on Closing the Gap between the National Cabinet, the Australian Local Government Association and the Coalition of Peaks, of which AbSec is a member.

This marks a historic turning point in relations between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and governments and looks to renew the focus on substantially improving life outcomes through the four Priority Reforms:

  1. Supporting Aboriginal governance and decision-making structures
  2. Strengthening the Aboriginal community-controlled sector
  3. Confronting structural racism in government institutions
  4. Ensuring Aboriginal people have access to relevant data and information

AbSec is particularly pleased with the inclusion of several targets aimed at improving the lives of Aboriginal children and young people, not only through reducing their interaction with the child protection and criminal justice systems but also in creating opportunities to thrive through education and employment.

For the Aboriginal children, families and communities in NSW that AbSec represents, the introduction of these new targets and implementation of the Priority Reforms means there is an acceptance from all levels of government that the number of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care must be reduced by 45 per cent by 2031 with the path to achieving this through Aboriginal-led solutions.

This reinforces the need for an independent Aboriginal Child Protection Commission in NSW that can hold live data in relation to Aboriginal children, families and communities and will guarantee comprehensive oversight of the child protection system and the dismantling of institutionalised racism within the structures and processes of agencies.

There must also be an assurance that while striving for this targeted reduction there is no rise in the proportion of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care or that children are not being moved to guardianship or adoption orders to misrepresent the statistics.

The targets alone are not enough to drive change but rather a method to monitor progress. The requirement now is that all governments commit to self-determination in decision-making and sustained funding for Aboriginal organisations.

In response to this historic moment Dana Clarke, Chairperson of AbSec, said “The new National Agreement is an excellent foundation to create the change that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples need. The priority reforms put Aboriginal-led solutions at the forefront and outline the need for much of what AbSec has been campaigning for, such as an independent Aboriginal Child Protection Commission. We look forward to working with the NSW Government and key stakeholders to ensure we meet the new targets and implement the Priority Reforms.

About AbSec

AbSec is the peak organisation concerned with the welfare of Aboriginal children, young people and families. We advocate for their rights, while supporting carers and communities. Our main priority is to keep children and young people safe, with the key goal of also keeping them within their family and community. It is vitally important that young people grow up surrounded by those who understand them, comfortable within their own culture where they will thrive.

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About Us

AbSec is the peak organisation advocating for the rights and well-being of Aboriginal children, young people, and families in NSW.

Learn more about AbSec, our mission, and our commitment to supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities through advocacy, capacity building, and sector leadership.

Strengthening Our Sector

Building a resilient and effective sector that can better support Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

Our initiatives and programs are designed to enhance the capacity and capability of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and NGOs.

Our Voice

This section offers insights into the key policies and initiatives we champion, representing our commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

Closing the Gap

AbSec is dedicated to closing the gap in health, education, and wellbeing for Aboriginal children and families.

Explore the various initiatives and programs we support to drive systemic change and improve outcomes for our communities.

Get Involved

Discover how you can make a difference with AbSec.

From donating to becoming a carer, there are numerous ways to support our vision and help Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities thrive.  

AbSec would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land in which we work and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home.

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