In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments agreed to six Closing the Gap targets to address the disadvantage faced by Aboriginal Australians in life expectancy, child mortality, education and employment. The most recent Prime Minister’s report to the Australian Parliament has highlighted that most Closing the Gap targets are not on track to be met. The views raised by children and young people in this report align with what many stakeholders have identified as important in addressing the significant and ongoing disadvantage experienced by some Aboriginal people and communities, and what needs to be done to address the complex causes of this disadvantage.
Chapter 3 - Family and community “Family, my family the most to me in my life. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to them…” 14 year-old girl (Perth) Why a focus on family and community is important The wellbeing of families and the strength of the communities in which they live play a fundamental role in determining the health and wellbeing of all children and young people. Families are generally the principal source of security, support and development for a child or young person. Research consistently shows that the relationships children and young people have with their families, particularly their parents, are among the most significant influences on their development and wellbeing. Children brought up in stimulating and nurturing family environments have better outcomes throughout life. A family’s social relationships and the social context in which a child or young person develops also have a strong influence on wellbeing. Families with strong social and support networks have increased access to information, material resources and people to assist them in their daily lives and in times of need. Living in isolation from family and support networks is associated with poorer health, development and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people. In the consultations, Aboriginal children and people most frequently nominated their family as the most important factor in their lives. “I believe that family will always be when no one else is.” 17 year-old Banyjima young person (Pilbara) “My family is the most important thing in my life.” 12 year-old girl (Great Southern) “I think family is really important to me, because they're the only ones that'll be there through thick and thin.” 17 year-old Noongar boy (Wheatbelt) “Family is important because they are when you need help.” 11 year-old boy (Perth) “If you don’t have a family you can’t live.” 8 year-old boy (Perth) When they spoke about how much their family meant to them, children and young people referred to not only their parents but also their siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents and other relatives. “I love my dad and mum and my cousins.” 13 year-old boy Southern) “I love having brothers and sisters to look after me.” 11 year-old boy (Kimberley) “I love my mum and cousins. Oh yeah, and I love my nan and grandad.” 10 year-old boy Southern)
Listening and taking action This report reflects the voices of over 1,200 Aboriginal children and young people from across Western Australia. It is a picture that provides both hope – in terms of hearing the voices of many inspiring young people who have strong aspirations and are ready to make enormous contributions to their community – and deep concern over the significant and ongoing challenges some face. Much of what they have told us is congruent with what we hear from Aboriginal parents, families and elders, and what a growing body of evidence is important for the wellbeing of children and young people. That is: the importance of strong families and communities which provide a sense of belonging and wellbeing the importance of culture and its contribution to a strong sense of self and wellbeing the value placed by young people on education and their aspirations for the future, and the importance of support from family and friends to help achieve at school the importance of access to a broad range of recreational activities which support positive emotional and social skill development, community engagement and physical and mental health and wellbeing racial harmony and a broad community respect for Aboriginal culture. voices also provide insight into the challenges faced by some children and young people who are impacted by issues such as exposure to crime, violence, abuse, disadvantage, inadequate housing and alcohol and drugs, and the consequences of this for family and community functioning. Many shared their concerns about the future and a lack of local opportunities to get a job, their experiences of racism, and their hopes for stronger, community-wide reconciliation. An enormous amount of work and research has been undertaken, even more so in recent years, to determine how to strengthen the wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities. Despite this, it continues to be of concern that across so many indicators such little progress has occurred. This report adds to that body of research the voices of Aboriginal children and young people themselves, so that current strategies, programs and services can be positively influenced by their views and insight. The purpose of undertaking these consultations with Aboriginal children and young people is aligned with the key principles of the Act which prescribes the role of the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA – to bring children and young people’s voices to prominence and provide opportunities for the organisations and the broad community to respond to their views in a meaningful and practical way.
Overview of participants Total number of participants: Ages <10yrs 11yrs 12yrs 14yrs 15yrs 17yrs 17yrs> Gender Female: Male: Location Regional: Metro: Summary of methodology Please summarise the strategies or methods you used to facilitate the session Summary of findings and themes Please provide a brief summary of the key points made by participants Response to consultation questions What are the most important things in life to you? Summary of main points Direct quotes from participants (please use the below and include a range of comments to reflect diversity of views) ‘I think it’s good for someone to make sure we kids aren’t forgotten about.’ (boy aged 9)