SNAICC responds to Four Corners investigation

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children has reiterated its support for nationally consistent standards and called for sustainable funding following the ABC’s Four Corners investigation.

SNAICC said its first concern was for the children harmed at Injinoo Childcare Centre and their families. It condemned abuse in early childhood education and care, saying it should never have happened.

The organisation welcomed discussion about the application of the National Quality Framework (NQF). In its statement SNAICC said “We have long advocated for nationally consistent standards of care that reflect the importance of culture.”

Services outside the NQF remain regulated

SNAICC explained that some Aboriginal community early education services sit outside the NQF and these services remain regulated by state and territory governments.

It also noted that “Trust and safety are built through relationships, by a workforce families recognise as their own”. 

Funding reform needed

SNAICC argued for many years that current subsidy-based funding and models can affect children’s safety and continuity of care. 

The organisation has urged governments to implement a model supporting community-controlled, holistic care. It identified a national Early Education and Care Commission informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expertise as an opportunity for reform.

Read SNAICC’s statement on the Four Corners program.