We don’t need a Royal Commission to know what is needed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Image: A young girl wearing a yellow shirt is laying on her mothers lap and looking down. Photo credit: Getty images.
Child abuse is a devastating crime that impacts children, families and communities across Australia.
Recent calls from opposition leaders, for a Royal Commission into the sexual abuse of Aboriginal children have been made without presenting any solid evidence, raising concerns that these discussions may further fuel harmful stereotypes about Aboriginal communities, which are misguided and ill-informed.
Child abuse is far too widespread in Australia. The Australian Child Maltreatment Study found 62% of girls and 58.4% of boys in Australia have experienced some form of child abuse or neglect. That includes domestic violence, and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse—issues that we cannot ignore.
The primary driver of First Nations children in child protection is neglect, an issue born from the ongoing impacts of colonisation and intergenerational disadvantage.
Claire Robbs, Chief Executive at Life Without Barriers, said that this is a national crisis, and we must tackle it with urgency.
“Reducing this is critical to future generations," Ms Robbs said.
"Information about why children are being removed needs to be accurate and transparent, so we don’t perpetuate misconceptions about why First Nations children are over-represented in the out-of-home care system, including that sexual abuse is rampant in communities.”
Solutions already exist. Over the past few decades, there have been over 33 reports on child protection, starting with the Bringing Them Home report in 1997. These reports provide evidence-based solutions that can help protect our children and families.
Image: Three generations of Aboriginal women stand together outside.
One key voice in this fight is SNAICC—National Voice for Our Children, who produce the Family Matters report every year. This report outlines clear, practical steps to ensure that all children—especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children—grow up safe, loved, and protected.
“We need to listen to and heed calls from ACCOs and leaders about the best way to reduce the over-representation of children and families in the child protection system,” Ms Robbs said.
These solutions prioritise the need for sustained investment in Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) that are already working to support children and families across Australia. When communities are empowered to lead, children thrive.
Now is the time to stand together and reject divisive calls for a Royal Commission. Instead, let’s focus on the proven solutions that will lead to real change. The power to create a safer, more supportive environment to ensure that every child—no matter their background—grows up in a world where they are safe, loved, and protected.
It's essential to remember that if anyone, politician or otherwise, has legitimate evidence of child abuse, the responsible course of action is to report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. The focus should be on real solutions.
Show Your Support: Reject a Royal Commission
Join the growing list of organisations and individuals who are showing their support behind SNAICC Joint Statement Organisations reject calls for Royal Commission into Aboriginal Children.
Organisations include: The Parenthood Brotherhood of St. Laurence, Australian Council of Social Service, Playgroup Australia, Save the Children, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Life Without Barriers, Allies for Children, South Australian Council of Social Service, The Australian Child Rights Taskforce and more included in the statement linked below.
