This strategy builds on SNAICC reflections over the last period on whether we are most efficiently and effectively geared towards the change that we want to see. We have asked ourselves: are we achieving change? If not, why? And how can we better make a real difference to the lives of our children across Australia? 

Key points:

• Culturally safe services are central to ensuring First Nations children and their families access the supports that they need to grow up strong, healthy and proud of who they are, with the skills to realise their potential. Quality, local community controlled services are best equipped to identify and respond to the needs of the children and families in their communities.
• No matter how strong communities are at a local level, without culturally strong and responsive systems at a state, territory and national level, we cannot achieve systemic change for our children. Our families need an enabling environment of laws, policies, procedures and practices that values their cultures, hears their voice and respects their ways.
• SNAICC recognises that until they can shift attitudes and garner increased support for their vision, there will be little success in influencing the political process towards improved laws and policies that support First Nations children. There are many groups which also directly impact the development, safety and well-being of First Nations children such as early childhood workers, child protection workers, nurses and judges. Shifting attitudes of these groups who work with children and their families is central to their growing up safe, healthy and empowered.
• Independent cultural policy advice, research, capacity development and best practice, connected to realities on the ground and the impacts of laws and policies on First Nations children and families, provides a critical role to support both sector and governments effectively respond to children and family needs. An effective peak provides a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice, both individual and collective, on issues impacting children.