Aboriginal self-determination

Supporting the vision to increase Aboriginal self-determination for Aboriginal people and ensure that all Aboriginal children and young people are safe, resilient and can thrive in culturally rich and strong Aboriginal families and communities.

Aboriginal self-determination work is being supported by the following reforms, initiatives and reports:

Roadmap for reform: strong families, safe children

The Roadmap includes guiding principle 5: ensuring Aboriginal self-determination around decision making and care for Aboriginal children and families.

  • Read the Roadmap on this website.

Wungurilwil Gapgapduir - the Aboriginal Children and Families Agreement and Action Plan

An overarching strategic response to improving the lives of vulnerable Aboriginal children and young people through self-determination.

Korin Korin Balit-Djak Aboriginal Health, Wellbeing and Safety Strategic Plan

The Plan represents a commitment to support and embed Aboriginal leadership and self-determination in health, wellbeing and safety.

Beyond Good Intentions Statement

A commitment to honest dialogue between government agencies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and all child and family welfare agencies to create a fair, just and restorative child and family welfare service system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

  • For more information on the Statement go to the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare website.

Taskforce 1000, Commission for Children and Young People

The inquiry included two reports “Always was, always will be koori children” and “In the child’s best interests”, which highlighted the need for increasing Aboriginal involvement and participation in the child protection system.

Aboriginal Children Forum

The Forum is a quarterly meeting to drive the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children in, or at risk of entry into Out of Home Care (OoHC).

Priority 4 and 5 of the Aboriginal Children’s Forum

Priority 4 and 5 recommends placing Aboriginal children and young people under the authority, care and case management of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO); and building the capacity of Aboriginal families, communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and the sector to care for their children and help reduce the number of Aboriginal children in Out of Home Care (OoHC).

Joint Secretaries' Statement - West Metro Aboriginal Community Forum

In consultation with the West Metro Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, a set of 12 actions to support community-driven solutions and ways of working were committed to by Secretaries from the:

  • Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Education and Training
  • Department of Justice and Community Safety.  

The 12 actions, outlined in the Joint Secretaries’ Statement, seek to address the issues raised at the West Metro Aboriginal Community Forum.