The Andrews Government 2023 State Budget will change lives for Aboriginal children and families, with today’s Budget announcements meaning thousands of Victorian Aboriginal children will have a greater chance of growing up surrounded by family and connected to community.
Today the Premier delivered on his commitment to overhaul Victoria’s child protection system and in making sure that his government gives greater self-determination and much greater control of the child protection system to Aboriginal people.
The Andrews Government commitment of $140 million to fund the Aboriginal sector to undertake all aspects of child protection and deliver on an end-to-end service is a huge step for Victoria. It comes with a significant investment in family services to work with families earlier to prevent children entering the system.
“There can be no denying the impact that this budget will have on the lives of Aboriginal children and their families both now and into the future. Saying thank you for being bold by leading the country, by showing leadership seems trite given the significance of this budget announcement” says VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett.
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Family Services Sector have been delivering on aspects of a reformed system and are ready to take on greater roles and responsibilities to protect children and support families across the State with a commitment to leave no child behind.
VACCA looks forward to working in partnership with Minister Blandthorn and her government to reform the current system and in creating and enabling an environment for true self determination in child protection to be realised.
The budget has also created certainty for family violence reforms across critical family violence program areas including case management, crisis and refuge supports, men’s behaviour change and sexual assault services.
These investments in family violence means hundreds of families will remain together and connection to culture will be maintained. Aboriginal women, men and children will be able to heal, recover from family violence, and have greater say over decisions that directly impact their futures.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MURIEL BAMBLETT, VACCA CEO
“The trajectories of so many Aboriginal children and families will be changed forever after today’s budget and for the better."
“Investing in families just makes sense. With Aboriginal decision making in Aboriginal hands, struggling families can now get help and early, knowing they will receive the culturally informed supports their family needs to stay together safely.”
“Protecting Boorais (babies) is our number one priority. Every child we prevent from entering the child protection system, from the youth justice system or from experiencing family violence will create brighter futures. This is priceless.”
“This ongoing funding commitment to Aboriginal led Family Violence and Sexual assault support services says to Aboriginal women and children that they are valued and believed. This commitment has and will continue to save lives.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 23 March 2023
Sarah Gafforini – Director, Office of the CEO VACCA
T: 0427 621 421/ E: sarahg@vacca.org
Beth Cesarin – Acting Communications Manager VACCA
T: 0439 117 408 / E: bethc@vacca.org
ABOUT VACCA - www.vacca.org
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is the State’s leading Aboriginal child and family services organisation, and the largest provider of services for Aboriginal family violence and homelessness. We have been supporting children, young people and families in the community for over 40 years, as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
Through our vision of self-determination – Live, Experience, and Be – we exist to support culturally strong, safe and thriving Aboriginal communities. We deliver over 70 programs across Victoria including child and family services, family violence, support for stolen generations, child protection, cultural strengthening programs, mental health, financial services, justice and redress support, early years and homelessness services.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to their children and young people who are the future elders and caretakers of this great land.