Lizzie Blandthorn to Vic introduce legislation to keep Indigenous families together

Bold reform aimed at keeping First Nations families together and give more power to Aboriginal agencies will get a second push in parliament.

Labor MP Lizzie Blandthorn will introduce new legislation into parliament aimed at keeping Indigenous families together. Picture: Sarah Matray

The Andrews government is pushing ahead with bold legislative reform, expanding the role of Aboriginal agencies in a bid to keep First Nations families together.

A 2021 report revealed that Victoria is removing children from their families at an alarming rate compared to other states, with indigenous Victorian kids ten times more likely to end up in care than non-Indigenous peers.

On Tuesday morning, Child Protection and Family Services Minister Lizzie Blandthorn confirmed the Children and Health Legislation Amendment Bill would be reintroduced to parliament.

The proposed legislation will recognise that Aboriginal people are best placed to make decisions and deliver services that protect the interests of their children, Ms Blandthorn said.

It was originally introduced to parliament last year but lapsed due to the state election.

The Bill seeks to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children in care and let organisations investigate child protection cases before a court order has been made.

Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance chair Karen Heap said the legislation would guide decision makers with ways to promote self-determination and healing for Aboriginal children and families.

“The new laws are a first in Australia – they help keep Aboriginal children with their families by enshrining Aboriginal self-determination in child and family services,” she said.

“Aboriginal families can advocate for themselves and ask for accountability in a system that has historically contributed to creating trauma and disconnection.”

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency CEO Muriel Bamblett said the legislation highlighted what could be achieved when Aboriginal controlled organisations demanded better outcomes.

“The proposed Bill enables us to not just stop the cycle of higher rates of Aboriginal child removal, it will also help address the cycle of family violence,” he said.

“Strengthening the whole family is the only way forward.”

Ms Blandthorn said the new laws will serve as way to close the gap.

“We’re taking that action to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal Victorians in the child protection system,” she said.

Originally published as Lizzie Blandthorn to Vic introduce legislation to keep Indigenous families together