Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has welcomed opening of the online consultation process to support the development of the first five-year implementation plan under the successor plan to the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020 (the National Framework).

The 10-year successor plan will support Australia’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children, ensuring increased involvement and accountability across all levels of government as well as the children and families sectors. This includes at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children and young people who have experienced abuse or neglect, children and families with complex needs, and children and families living with disability.

Mr Joyce said it was important that families of children, young people, foster and kinship carers, government and non-government organisations, were part of the discussion on the future direction of the national framework.

“We want to hear your ideas on what will support children and families to be safe and free from harm and neglect, so make a submission and be part of the solution,” Mr Joyce said.

Assistant Minister for Children and Families, Michelle Landry, said under the previous National Framework, the Government secured the National Standards for Out-Of-Home Care, created the role of the National Children’s Commissioner, and also delivered Connect for Safety - a new software platform that will improve child protection information sharing between the states and territories.

“This is a strong foundation to work from, but we need a collective effort and commitment to make significant and sustained progress in improving outcomes for children and families in need,” Assistant Minister Landry said.

In addition to the public consultations the Government, in partnership with SNAICC, is facilitating an Indigenous co-design process.

The National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds, is also leading targeted consultations with children, young people and families across Australia to ensure their experiences and voices are reflected in the first five-year implementation plan.

To have your say visit the engage.dss.gov.au website

The online consultation will close on Monday 26 July 2021.

(ENDS)