Policy & Advocacy
For too long, policy has been written about us, not with us. We are reclaiming space, asserting rights, and working toward a future where Aboriginal children and families are not just surviving, but thriving.
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Policies designed with our communities, by our communities, and for our communities.
AbSec is proud to lead systemic advocacy that champions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities across New South Wales. As the peak body for Aboriginal child and family wellbeing, our Policy and Advocacy team is building a future where every Aboriginal child grows up safe, connected, and culturally strong—surrounded by community-led systems of care.
Our advocacy is grounded in the rights of self-determination, the strength of community-controlled solutions, and the truth of lived experience. We work to ensure that voices of mob are not only heard, but shape policy, reform, and funding decisions at every level. We advocate for bold, structural reform, led by Aboriginal voices and grounded in the rights of our people to self-determination and culturally safe support systems.
Our purpose
We envision a future where all Aboriginal children and young people are looked after in safe, thriving Aboriginal families and communities, raised strong in spirit and identity, with every opportunity for lifelong wellbeing and connection to culture. We exist to ensure that Aboriginal children, families and communities are not just heard, but centred, in decisions that affect their lives.
We know that true change doesn’t come from tweaking broken systems. It comes from reimagining them entirely. Through our policy and advocacy work, we aim to dismantle systems of harm and co-create pathways of healing, strength and cultural continuity.
How we influence change
AbSec’s Policy and Advocacy team works across multiple channels to create lasting impact. Our policy work is grounded in both data and lived experience. We engage directly with Aboriginal children, families and carers to ensure their experiences inform every recommendation we make.
Strategic submissions and inquiries
We provide evidence-informed submissions to government bodies, inquiries, and legislative reviews—anchored in Aboriginal community expertise.
Collaborative policy development
We co-design policy solutions in partnership with ACCOs, community leaders, and government stakeholders to ensure cultural integrity and practical outcomes.
Government engagement and reform advising
We sit on key advisory panels and working groups, ensuring that the voices of Aboriginal communities influence decision-making at every level.
Research and systems analysis
We produce research reports and policy briefs that highlight system failures and showcase Aboriginal-led solutions that work.
Public advocacy and campaigns
We use our voice to elevate the issues that matter most to our people, from family preservation to community control.
Be a part of our Quarterly Sector Forums
AbSec’s Quarterly Sector Forums are designed to bring together key stakeholders, government agencies, community organisations, service providers, Aboriginal community leaders, carers, and industry professionals to collaborate on creating meaningful change.
These events provide a platform for discussing critical issues, sharing innovative solutions, and shaping the future of child protection and family support services for Aboriginal communities. Each forum focuses on a unique theme, ensuring dynamic and relevant discussions that address the evolving needs of our sector.
Quarterly Sector Forum | August 2025
- Tues 26- Wed 27 August, 2025
- Dockside
Quarterly Sector Forum | February 2025
- 26-27 February, 2025
- The Pavilion Kiama
Policy Roundups
AbSec’s Policy and Advocacy team is at the forefront of shaping systems that put Aboriginal children, families and communities first. Each month, we deliver a roundup of the most important policy developments across New South Wales and nationally—filtering the noise to bring you expert insight, strategic updates, and what it all means for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), service providers, and sector allies.
July 2025 Policy Roundup
June 2025 Policy Roundup
May 2025 Policy Roundup
Contact our team
Policy isn’t just paperwork—it’s power. Every reform we push for, every submission we lodge, and every partnership we build is about one thing: ensuring that Aboriginal children grow up strong in culture, safe in community, and empowered to fulfil their potential.
AbSec isn’t waiting for systems to change—we’re leading that change. Whether you have questions about our services, need advice, or want to get involved, please feel free to reach out to us.
