SNAICC welcomes the encouraging findings in Prime Minister Gillard’s latest progress report on Closing the Gap, and in particular her strong, ongoing commitment to meeting all targeted areas within the set timeframes.

SNAICC has urged a parliamentary committee considering the Stronger Futures legislation for Northern Territory Aboriginal communities to reject the package of bills, recommending that it be redeveloped in accordance with international human rights laws to which Australia is bound.

Two reports leading up to the fourth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations serve as a stark reminder that much remains to be done to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, according to SNAICC Chairperson Dawn Wallam.

A report into the Australian Government’s School Enrolment and Attendance Measure (SEAM) designed to encourage parents on income support to ensure their children are enrolled in and attending school regularly, has painted a mixed picture of success.

Torres News reports that the Queensland Government is considering the possibility of legally recognising Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practices, with community consultations taking place in north Queensland in early February 2012.
The government is seeking further information and feedback from people affected by the cultural practice about how it works, possible legal recognition, and any problems experienced by people who have been practicing traditional child rearing (traditional adoptions) without legal recognition.

These beautiful posters, highlighting men’s parental and family roles, are part of SNAICC’s catalogue of resource publications. The posters, produced in partnership with the NSW Family Action Centre, are available free of charge. The full-colour A2 posters can be ordered as a set of five, or individually.

Stories include - Victorian Human Rights Charter under review, The need for cultural proficiency in children’s services, EYLF: What does it mean for our services? Resource news includes news on the Honey Ant Readers, and the new child rearing Martix.

Early Childhood Australia and Early Childhood Intervention Australia are conducting a survey on key issues surrounding the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood services. Information from the surveys will be used to develop a position statement on the inclusion of children with disabilities. The survey will only take about 15 minutes and is open to anyone with an interest in the issue. 

The House of Representative Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal affairs is conducting an inquiry into the incidence and prevention of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). SNAICC encourages members with expertise and knowledge about prevention strategies, intervention needs and management issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and individuals impacted by FASD to contribute to the inquiry. Submissions are requested by 19 March 2012.

SNAICC is pleased to report that a new international mechanism has been created giving children the power to submit complaints about abuses of their rights – putting them on an equal footing with adults.

Applications close 31 March 2012! This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day, held annually on August 4. We are still inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and organisations from every corner of Australia to contribute photos to the ‘coffee table’ book we are making.

Early Childhood Australia has recently published a discussion paper looking at the ECEC sector in Australia, and the issues and challenges that arise from the Australian Government’s Reform Agenda.

SNAICC has welcomed several new staff members in the past 12 months, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, driving SNAICC’s work with renewed vigour in 2012. New staff and volunteers at SNAICC are: Nick Butera, Melissa Brickell, Emma Sydenham, Karla Brooks, Guy Hancock, John Burton, Andrew Pascoe, Holly Mason-White, May Drewes, Clare Bartholomaeus, Sharon Roussos, Veronica Jones and Joanne Borg. See the latest January 2012 SNAICC News for their details and mug shots.