Government and Communities Collaborate for Stronger Families

Assistant Minister for Children and Families, Ms Michelle Landry, today affirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment to supporting children, families and local communities at today’s Family and Relationships Services Australia Conference in Cairns, Queensland.

“I am pleased to have been part of this year’s conference where the sector, academics and policy makers have come together to look at how family and relationship services can collaborate to leave no child, family or community behind,” said Ms Landry.

“There are a number of Government initiatives where we are working closely with state and territory governments, non-government organisations and local communities to provide early intervention approaches that have a positive impact.”

The Third Action Plan under the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020 is currently being delivered and has a strong focus on supporting children in the first 1,000 days and helping young people in out-of-home care.

The Fourth Action Plan builds on this and will aim to reduce children’s entry into child protection systems by strengthening prevention and early intervention initiatives. The Government is currently with working state and territory governments to finalise the Fourth Action Plan.

Place-based initiatives, such as Logan Together in Queensland, are another example of the work being done at the local level to address issues of disadvantage targeted in specific communities.

Since it began three years ago, the initiative has already seen stronger engagement in literacy programs, increased kindergarten attendance and support specialist employment preparation services for parents.

“As a Government, we commit to being the change, and being part of ongoing and collaborative advances,” said Ms Landry.