Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children should be able to thrive and grow up healthy, supported by strong families, and proud in culture. Across Australia, families and communities successfully support and nurture their young children. However, wide gaps in early development, health and early learning outcomes persist.

Families, communities, stakeholders and experts in the early childhood development and care sectors have long called for a dedicated and coordinated approach to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The purpose of this strategy is to pave the way for governments, non‑government sectors and communities to collectively support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to grow up healthy, engaged with education, connected to family and community, and strong in culture.

The strategy has been developed in partnership with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with the guidance of an Advisory Group (see Appendix A). This strategy reflects the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities who participated in a national consultation process, and shared their experiences, aspirations and priorities for the future wellbeing of their children.