AbSec welcomes the NSW Government’s commitment to reforming Family Preservation and acknowledges the vital partnership with Aboriginal communities that has shaped the Aboriginal Family Preservation (AFP) model.
For generations, decisions about our children, young people and families have been made within systems not designed by us, and not accountable to us. This announcement marks a long-overdue shift—towards a system grounded in culture, community, and self-determination.
The Government’s commitment to direct 40% of Family Preservation service funding to the Aboriginal Community-Controlled sector is a critical recognition of our leadership and cultural authority. Aboriginal organisations have the knowledge, connection, and accountability to deliver services that keep our children and young people strong in culture, identity, and community.
We are pleased to have worked in close partnership with government and our communities to design the AFP model—embedding long-term, flexible funding, co-design with families, and needs-based resource distribution across districts. This is what genuine structural reform looks like.
This approach is more than a policy shift—it is an act of justice. It restores our communities’ right to care for our children and young people in ways that reflect who we are, where we come from, and what we need to thrive.
We look forward to walking alongside our sector partners to bring this model to life—because when Aboriginal communities lead, our children and young people are safer, our families are stronger, and our futures are brighter.
“For generations, decisions about our families have been made within systems that were never built by us, or for us. This funding approach is a long-overdue shift—one that recognises our leadership and restores our right to design solutions grounded in culture, connection and community. When Aboriginal communities lead, our children and young people are safer, our families are stronger, and our futures are brighter.”
— John Leha, CEO, AbSec – NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation
