PIAC is standing with the Aboriginal Legal Service and other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations in calling for the NSW Government to take urgent action to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in the state’s child protection system.
In an open letter to the Premier Gladys Berejiklian, released today, over 20 civil society organisations have urged the Government to properly fund and implement all 125 recommendations of the Family is Culture report, which was released in November 2019.
The report followed a review by Professor Megan Davis of 1,144 Aboriginal children and young people removed from their families by the Department of Communities and Justice. It documented systemic failings within the child protection system and identified a roadmap for reform including recommendations to increase self-determination and early support for families.
‘We know that Aboriginal children are significantly over-represented in the out-of-home-care system in NSW, and that this has long-term, far-reaching consequences,’ said PIAC Senior Solicitor, Brooke Greenwood.
‘The Family Is Culture Review represents a historic opportunity for the Government to take meaningful action to improve the lives of children, families and communities and address entrenched inequality.’
‘We call on the Premier to demonstrate their commitment to Aboriginal children and families by funding and implementing Professor Davis’ recommendations in full.’
Read the open letter.