Improving outcomes for Aboriginal children

14 Apr 2022

Aboriginal communities, child protection peak bodies and the legal sector are being asked to have their say to help shape potential legislative changes aimed at improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and their families.

A discussion paper released today is inviting stakeholder consultation and feedback on 25 legislative amendments identified in the 2019 Family is Culture review.

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said this important and targeted consultation on legal reform recommended in the review would help Government further understand the impact of potential legislative changes in the NSW out-of-home care system.

“We’re committed to undertaking important consultation with key stakeholders on legislative recommendations identified in the FIC Report,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“This consultation will explore the impact of child protection laws and court procedures on Aboriginal children and families, with a particular focus on legislative recommendations that could be implemented in the near-term.

“The NSW Government is working with Aboriginal communities to improve services and support for Aboriginal children and young people. We are committed to Closing the Gap and to do this we need to make sure that we pursue practical solutions which put Aboriginal people at the centre of decision-making. We also need to make sure that we’re consulting with the implementation experts, who understand exactly how any legislative amendments will work in practice.”

The NSW Government has already made a number of significant reforms to help address overrepresentation. Nearly all of the over 3,000 recommendations from the Family is Culture review relating to individual case files have been completed. The Government has also established an Aboriginal Knowledge Circle, an Aboriginal Outcomes Taskforce, appointed Deputy Children’s Guardian for Aboriginal Children and Young People and a Deputy Secretary for Aboriginal Outcomes.

Stakeholders and members of the public will be able to lodge online submissions in response to the discussion paper here.