SNAICC – National Voice for our Children welcomes the Federal Election on May 3, with a call for a bi-partisan approach to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, said in the wake of an election, it’s more important than ever that we see a bi-partisan commitment to early education and child and family safety to ensure our children get the best start in life.
“Closing the Gap starts with our children – that comes above politics, as it always should,” Ms Liddel said.
“The 2025 election comes at a critical time when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are removed from their families, communities and cultures and placed into child protection and juvenile justice systems at appallingly disproportionate rates, with little to no early intervention and diversion programs to help.
“Addressing this national disgrace should be top of mind for all Australian political parties and decision makers.
“SNAICC is encouraging all sides of government to invest in evidence-based policies that we know work, rather than feeding into ill-informed, fear-driven narratives that ultimately don’t serve our children, families or the wider community.
“Changing the trajectory for our children means properly investing in culturally safe family supports, a universal childcare system, and community-led intervention programs.
“Too often, we see our children treated as political footballs in a race to the bottom – we’re calling on our nation’s leaders to steer clear of that trap this election.
“Our children and families deserve better, and the Australian public want better than populist announcements.”
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