SNAICC welcomes new Family Matters co-chair Dr Paul Gray

SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children has announced the appointment of Dr Paul Gray as the new co-chair of the Family Matters National Leadership Group. 

Family Matters is SNAICC’s national campaign to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up in family, community, and culture.

Dr Gray is a proud Wiradjuri man from New South Wales with “immense experience” in the child and family sector, upholding the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

“I am grateful to be able to serve my community as co-chair of this important national campaign to ensure our kids can grow up safe and strong with their families, in their communities, and immersed in culture,” he said. 

“Contemporary child protection systems are in desperate need of reform to safeguard the rights of our children, and SNAICC and the Family Matters campaign know that our communities have the solutions.”

Dr Gray holds a Doctorate in Experimental Psychology at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, as an inaugural Charlie Perkins Scholar, and has worked in various positions with the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice [formerly Department of Family and Community Services (FACS)], prior to becoming the Executive Leader of Strategy, Policy and Evidence at AbSec – NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation, the state’s Aboriginal peak body in child protection.

For the past year he has held the role of Associate Professor for the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he works in close partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations to develop and undertake research, policy development, and advocacy in the child protection sector.

Paul joins Wurundjeri and Ngurai illum wurrung woman Sue-Anne Hunter as the community representatives in co-chairing the Family Matters campaign to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.

“I am delighted that Paul is joining Sue-Anne Hunter as co-chair to the campaign to amplify the voices of our children. Paul has been dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people for many years and understands the issues our children are facing”, SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said.

“Paul brings a wealth of experience in the child and family sector, along with a thirst for gaining knowledge and implementing practical strategies. SNAICC and Family Matters looks forward to working closely with Paul so that we can continue to advocate for the rights of our children and looking after our mob.”

More information about Family Matters is available on the website, here.