AbSec celebrates the appointment of Lil Gordon, a proud Ngemba woman from Brewarrina, as Acting National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. This milestone marks a new chapter of hope and progress, reflecting the strength and determination of Aboriginal communities and leaders in ensuring that every Aboriginal child and young person grows up safe, connected to culture, and supported by family.
“This appointment is a step in the right direction—a signal that change is possible when our voices are heard,” said AbSec CEO John Leha. “It’s an opportunity to build a better future for our children, where they can thrive in systems that truly support them. We’re hopeful this will lead to tangible outcomes that honour their rights and their connections to culture and family.”
A Shared Vision for Change
AbSec has long championed the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, working alongside organisations like SNAICC to create systems that are fair, accountable, and culturally safe. This collective advocacy has been instrumental in driving reforms such as the Safe and Supported National Framework, which aims to reduce the number of Aboriginal children in care by 45% by 2031.
“Our vision is for a future where every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and young person feels valued, supported, and proud of their culture,” said AbSec Chair Petrice Manton. “This appointment reflects the progress we’ve made, but it also reminds us that we need to keep going—to ensure lasting change for our communities.”
Building on Momentum
While challenges remain, AbSec views this moment as an opportunity to continue building momentum. Through initiatives like the Family Is Culture Community Report Card, AbSec has highlighted the importance of culturally safe, community-led solutions to address the needs of Aboriginal children and families.
“We’ve already seen how collective action can make a difference,” added Leha. “This is our chance to push for even greater progress—ensuring every child grows up proud, strong, and connected to their culture and community.”
A Commitment to Action
AbSec is committed to working with the Acting National Commissioner to ensure that the voices of Aboriginal children and young people are at the heart of all decision-making. The organisation also continues to advocate for a permanent, resourced Commissioner and a dedicated NSW Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People to drive ongoing reform.
“This is a moment of hope,” said Leha. “But it’s also a call to action. Together, we can create systems that reflect the strength, resilience, and potential of our communities. Every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and young person deserves a future where they can flourish—and we’re ready to make that happen.”
