Share Article

Time to engage on child funding reforms

November 19, 2025

The National Voice for Children (SNAICC) is to make a submission to the Department of Social Services for reform of Families and Children Activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

SNAICC has consistently advocated for the reform of funding for child and family services, and has said this process has presented an important opportunity to drive progress.

“It is critical that the views and perspectives of Aboriginal and Community Controlled Organisations are reflected in the government’s reform pathway,” SNAICC said in a statement.

SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle at the National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) National Conference, in Brisbane last month.

SNAICC has encouraged ACCOs and communities ot make submissions to “ensure voices are heard” so DSS can hear the needs and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Attend a DSS Public Consultation session

Encourage attendance at the public consultation session to provide feedback on the proposed changes. Please see below a list of Townhalls that DSS are holding across the country over the next few weeks.

For more information: https://engage.dss.gov.au/a-new-approach-to-programs-for-families-and-children/?mc_cid=846425360f&mc_eid=57d81ddb74

In-Person Townhalls

Canberra
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 11:00am–12:30pm (Local time)
Location: Department of Social Services, Enid Lyons Building, Greenway, ACT
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-approach-to-programs-for-families-and-children-tickets-1928145498089?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_eid=57d81ddb74&mc_cid=846425360f

Melbourne
Date: 26 November 2025
Time: 1:30pm–3:00pm (Local time)
Location: Department of Social Services, Level 10, 180 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-approach-to-programs-for-families-and-children-tickets-1928003964759?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_eid=57d81ddb74&mc_cid=846425360f

Adelaide
Date: 27 November 2025
Time: 9:30am–11:00am (Local time)
Location: State Library of South Australia, Hetzel Lecture Theatre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-approach-to-programs-for-families-and-children-tickets-1928150904259?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_eid=57d81ddb74&mc_cid=846425360f

Brisbane
Date: 4 December 2025
Time: 1:30pm–3:00pm (Local time)
Location: UQ Brisbane City, Room 1M16, 308 Queen Street, Brisbane City, QLD
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-approach-to-programs-for-families-and-children-tickets-1928177784659?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_eid=57d81ddb74&mc_cid=846425360f

Online Townhalls

Regional & Remote
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 1:30pm–3:00pm (AEDT)
Location: Online
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-approach-to-programs-for-families-and-children-tickets-1927911237409?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_eid=57d81ddb74&mc_cid=846425360f

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Date: 28 November 2025
Time: 1:30pm–3:00pm (AEDT)
Location: Online
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-approach-to-programs-for-families-and-children-tickets-1927946563069?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_eid=57d81ddb74&mc_cid=846425360f

General Online
Date: 1 December 2025
Time: 1:30pm–3:00pm (AEDT)
Location: Online
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-approach-to-programs-for-families-and-children-tickets-1927965981149?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_eid=57d81ddb74&mc_cid=846425360f

Peter Rowe

Peter Rowe leads First Nations News as Editor, with over three decades of experience across international newsrooms, digital platforms and media strategy roles. For the past 20 years, he’s worked in Australia – reporting, editing and advising on stories that shape public debate.