Media Release 21 November 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Playgroup NSW supports the 2024 SNAICC Family Matters Report which highlights key issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families
Playgroup NSW (PGNSW) welcomes the Family Matters 2024 report and recommendations released today by SNAICC (the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care), albeit highlighting sustained significant systemic inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.
The numbers in the annual report paint a very raw and alarming picture of what reality is like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families, as well as highlighting the need for multifaceted systemic change not only in terms of investing in leadership and governance through ACCO entities, but also in how systems such as out of home care, justice, and community services in particular need to reorient their approaches towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.
“Family Matters is a necessary report to shine a much-needed light on the barriers and challenges faced by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families,” says Emily Caska, Playgroup NSW CEO. “Many of these barriers are systemic and preventable, with this report highlighting key recommendations for meaningful change. Playgroup NSW welcomes this report and supports the recommendations and acknowledges the important role SNAICC plays for their communities.”
Family Matters is an annual publication that tracks progress towards ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe, cared for and connected to their families, communities and culture.
A key goal of Family Matters is to eliminate the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out of home care by 2040.
Some key statistics from the 2024 Family Matters report:
- 22,908 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care, which represents 41% of all children in out-of-home care, despite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children making up only 6% of the total child population in Australia
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 10.8 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 11.5 times more likely to be removed into out-of-home care as infants
- Only 15% of government funding is spent on prevention, such as Family Support Services, the rest is spent on child protection and out-of-home care services
- Only 6% of child protection funding is directed towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.
Playgroup NSW is proud to partner with SNAICC as a key ally supporting the delivery of our First Nations programs at our Ngurra Hub in Wagga Wagga. This values-aligned partnership is one we are incredibly proud of, as well as the outcomes being achieved for children and families at Ngurra Hub in what is a tightknit community. Impact is only possible through responsive, agile services and supports that are delivered by local Aboriginal staff and volunteers, aligning with the findings and recommendations of the Family Matters report.
“The team at Ngurra Hub prides ourselves on being grassroots members working alongside our community to provide culturally sensitive and responsive supports,” says Kellie Murray the Playgroup NSW Chief First Nations Officer. “Our strong partnerships with stakeholders and services is what makes us a first point of call for First Nations Community members.”
Read the Family Matters 2024 report and snapshot here.
PGNSW looks forward to attending the Family Matters 2024 webinar on Wednesday 6 December, featuring expert speakers:
Catherine Liddle, CEO, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
Associate Professor Paul Gray, University of Technology Sydney
Theresa Simpson, CEO, Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan
Melanie Briggs, Senior Balaang Manager for Birthing on Country, Waminda
Jamie Crosby, CEO, Families Australia
Tabatha Feher, Chief Advisor – Public Affairs and Advocacy, Life Without Barriers
Follow the Microsoft Teams link on the day to tune in live to the Family Matters Webinar: Microsoft Teams Meeting Link Here
About Playgroup NSW:
Playgroup NSW is a not-for-profit organisation that helps connect families and children to people and services in the community to positively impact their quality of life. For over 50 years, Playgroup NSW has delivered and linked over 50,000 families to vital services such as parent support groups and playgroups for those experiencing vulnerability and diversity, and those who value community connections. With 550 playgroups a week and over 65,000 members, Playgroup NSW is the peak body for playgroups in NSW.
For more information about Playgroup NSW, please visit www.playgroupnsw.org.au
To view our strategic plan, click here.
To learn more about the Playgroup NSW team, click here.
To download a copy of this media release, click here.
For media enquiries, please contact Janina Amanaki at Playgroup NSW.
Janina Amanaki | 0411 328 012 | [email protected]
