More Victorian Aboriginal families are to be kept together under new laws to put Aboriginal self-determination at the forefront of children and family services.
Introducing the Australian-first bill, Minister for Child Protection and Family Services, Lizzie Blandthorn said the Children and Health Legislation Amendment (Statement of Recognition, Aboriginal Self-determination and Other Matters) Bill 2023 expanded the role of Aboriginal agencies delivering children and family services to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children in care.
“The new laws recognise that Aboriginal people are best placed to make decisions and deliver services that protect the best interests of Aboriginal children,” Ms Blandthorn said.
“The laws are a landmark step to meet the Closing the Gap National Agreement target to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children in care in a way that is culturally safe and promotes the best interests of the child,” she said.
“It includes a Statement of Recognition of the impact of past policies on Aboriginal people designed in equal partnership with Aboriginal stakeholder groups including the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance.”
Ms Blandthorn said the new laws would also allow greater information sharing between the Government and Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations.
“This important legislation will help close the gap by expanding the role of Aboriginal agencies in delivering children and family services,” the Minister said.
