Why is it important?
The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are thriving and growing up strong in their cultures, with support from their families and communities.
However, a significant number of our children continue to face ongoing challenges stemming from colonisation and its effects. This includes discrimination, poverty, systemic removal, intergenerational trauma, dislocation from land and culture, and community disempowerment.
To achieve equality, we must approach these challenges through a holistic approach, considering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s wellbeing, safety and development.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 2.5 times more likely to be developmentally vulnerable early in life than non-Indigenous children, and only half as likely to access early child care services. See The Family Matters Report 2019
While we know rates for preschool enrolments (4-year-olds) are relatively high for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, attendance rates are low in each state and territory.
Children who are developmentally vulnerable are less likely to do well at school, and are more likely to leave school early and have poorer life outcomes.
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