Vulnerable Children

In reply to the Hon. L.A. HENDERSON ().6 June 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): As Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, together with my colleague the Minister for Child Protection, we are steadfastly committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal children in care. I have regular discussions with my colleague about the work being done in this space, and am proud that the government has invested significant funds into specific initiatives aimed at supporting Aboriginal children and families.

I have sought advice about the honourable member's specific questions from the Minister for Child Protection, who has advised:

The state government has expanded services available to Aboriginal people within the child protection and family support system.

Our government has invested $450 million into the child protection and family support budget to ensure children and families are supported to thrive.

These additional investments include:

$3.2 million to establish an Aboriginal peak body for children and young people

$13.4 million for family group conferencing expansion

$35.7 million for intense family supports

$2.1 million for family reunification services

The employment of 10 additional Principal Aboriginal Consultants

For the first 11 months of 2023-24, the growth rate for Aboriginal children and young people in care was -0.1  per cent. This continues the trend of slowing growth in the number of Aboriginal children and young people in care, which has seen the rate fall from 13.1 per cent in 2019-20.

Our government is setting about doing more to support Aboriginal families and to address the over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care. We also recognise that these supports must be developed in partnership with the Aboriginal people.