Communique, Community Services Ministers' Meeting 30 July 2024
Community Services Ministers met in Canberra on the morning of 30 July 2024. Ministers acknowledged they were meeting on the lands of the Ngunnawal people, and also acknowledged the connection of other people and families to Country. This meeting took place prior to a meeting of the Safe and Supported Shared Decision-Making Committee (SDMC), which includes Community Services Ministers and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group (Leadership Group).
Ministers discussed the progress of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership (the Partnership), including the first set of recommendations to the Joint Council on Closing the Gap, in relation to the early childhood care and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Ministers noted the importance of the Partnership and its strong alignment with other joint initiatives, such as the Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2021-2031 (Safe and Supported).
Ministers also discussed the recently released Early Years Strategy 2024-2034, which sets out the Australian Government's vision to best support children and families. Ministers highlighted opportunities to identify and work together on mutual aims and reforms in the early years of a child's life, noting the importance of collaboration and partnership in this space.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Safe and Supported, including the importance of working in partnership with the Leadership Group and listening to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Ministers noted that further discussion about the implementation and prioritisation of work under the Safe and Supported Action Plans would occur during the SDMC meeting.
