On 30 April 2009 COAG endorsed the first "National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children" – an ambitious, long term national approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of Australian children.
The National Framework is designed deliver a substantial and sustained reduction in child abuse and neglect in Australia.
Australia’s children deserve a safe, healthy and happy childhood, and must be able to grow up nourished and supported in loving and caring environments. They must have time to be children with all the wonder, happiness and innocence that childhood should bring. Over recent years the reported levels of child neglect and abuse in Australia have increased at an alarming rate. Child abuse and neglect has become an issue of national concern. Meanwhile, statutory child protection systems are struggling under the load.
Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. Parents, communities, governments and business all have a role to play.
Australia needs a shared agenda for change, with national leadership and a common goal.
All Australian governments have endorsed the first National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020 and are committed to implementing the initial actions it contains. It is a long-term, national approach to help protect all Australian children.
The National Framework represents an unprecedented level of collaboration between Australian, State and Territory governments and non-government organisations to protect children. Placing children’s interests firmly at the centre of everything we do.
Reducing child abuse and neglect is not an easy task and it will take time. The National Framework provides the foundation for national reform.