Minister Brough welcomes National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day (NAICD)

Ensuring Indigenous children receive the same opportunities as other Australian children is a priority of the Australian Government, Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Mal Brough said today.

Mr Brough made the comments while highlighting National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day (NAICD) and its theme, My Culture is Me: I am Proud and Strong.

"Education is a key element in providing economic independence and social equity for many Indigenous Australians," Mr Brough said.

"The Australian Government investing $70 million for 2006-07 in programs to assist Indigenous children achieve better education outcomes."

Mr Brough said Australians young and old deserve the right to live in a safe environment that is why I have committed a $130 million package for a range of initiatives aimed at law and order in Indigenous communities that will pay special attention to child safety.

"The offer was accepted by States and Territories and shows unprecedented cooperation from all levels of government to improve the lives of Indigenous children."

Mr Brough said the Government would also provide $5.56 million this year to the Indigenous Children’s Program.

"This will deliver better outcomes for Indigenous children and families through culturally sensitive early intervention and prevention programs and services," Mr Brough said.

"The Australian Government also provides funding to support the work of the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, and to the Communities for Children and Playgroups program for specific projects in remote Indigenous communities."

"I congratulate Indigenous communities who are holding events to celebrate NAICD."