A ‘new opportunity’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle has congratulated Anthony Albanese on his election win saying the victory was confirmation that Australians were seeking a society where all children and young people are safe, nurtured and have the opportunity to thrive.

“This new government and the momentum it brings feels like a new opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” the National Voice for our Children CEO said.

“Closing the gap starts with our children and with a new government comes the opportunity to create real and lasting change by committing to reforms in early childhood education and care and out-of-homecare.

“In the next three years we will see lifting of punitive and ineffectual policies such as the Activity Test, the introduction of a billion-dollar investment into infrastructure in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings and a pay increase for the incredible workers who educate our young people.

“We hope this is just the start of a progressive agenda for Australia’s ECEC Sector, under a Prime Minister who has said transforming the ECEC system in this country will be part of his legacy.

“Hearing the Prime Minister give a proud Acknowledgement of Country and recommit to action to Closing the Gap gives us hope for advancing our work to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can thrive.

“There is no greater responsibility we have in the country but to ensure our children and young people can grow up loved, supported, safe and nurtured.

“There is still so much work to be done and SNAICC is ready to hit the ground running.

“We are looking forward to working with all elected members to fire their ambitions and meet their commitments.”