Recommendation 17
Recommendation 17 proposes amendments to the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (CYFA) that overlap with reforms implemented through the Statement of Recognition Act. This Act incorporates 11 binding principles that Child Protection and community service organisations must have regard to when making decisions and taking action when working with First Peoples children and families. The Children’s Court is also required to consider the first five principles. Following an assessment of the impacts of the Statement of Recognition Act after 18 months of operation, DFFH will give further consideration to this recommendation.
Recommendation 22
Recommendation 22 calls for amendments to the CYFA to provide the Children’s Court with greater powers in relation to the development, implementation and monitoring of cultural plans. DFFH is currently working alongside key stakeholders, to oversee the development and implementation of a new cultural plan model. This model will need to be agreed by the Aboriginal Children’s Forum and will inform the response to recommendation 22.
Recommendation 27
Recommendation 27 calls for the establishment of a new independent police oversight authority, including a dedicated First Peoples-led division for complaints from First Peoples. DJCS is currently engaging with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and other Aboriginal community stakeholders on potential police oversight reform proposals. While the proposals under consideration do not seek to adopt recommendation 27 in full, the reforms under consideration are designed to strengthen the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s functions, powers and focus on police oversight — including implementing specific reforms identified by, and designed for, First Peoples — which is responsive to the intent of the recommendation.
Updated