Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Western Australia are 16.7 times more likely to be removed from their families by child protection services than non-Indigenous children, the highest rate across all states and territories, and significantly higher than the national average of 9.7 times.

Meeting the Family Matters Building Blocks

The Family Matters Report 2020 shows that Western Australia, in comparison with other states and territories, has:

the lowest proportion of expenditure on family support and intensive family support (5.3%)
only 4% of Aboriginal children in care supported by one ACCO and sector proposals for ACCO out-of-home care growth remain unfunded
a two-year pilot announced for Aboriginal family-led decision-making
legislative reforms in 2020 that failed to address key concerns raised by Aboriginal organisations
stalled strategies focused on reducing Aboriginal children in care, according to community voices
lowest % of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care reunified (11%)
and much lower than the non-Indigenous rate
placement of Aboriginal children with Aboriginal carers slightly above national average (47.6%)
no dedicated commissioner for Aboriginal children
no significant progress evident on 2019 commitment to develop a 10-year roadmap to address Aboriginal overrepresentation
in out-of-home care.

See the 2020 Western Australia Government’s data and written response to Family Matters.

See the 2020 community’s response to how Western Australia is fairing.

See the 2019 Government of Western Australia’s data and written response to Family Matters.

See the 2019 local community’s response to how Western Australia is fairing.

See the 2018 Government of Western Australia’s response to Family Matters.

See the 2018 local community’s response to how Western Australia is fairing.

See the 2017 Government of Western Australia’s response to Family Matters.

Who’s with us in Western Australia?

Over 150 organisations, politicians, commissioners and guardians from across Australia have signed the Family Matters Statement of Commitment, signalling their intent to work in accordance with the six key principles of the campaign.

Visit our Who’s With Us? page to view everyone who has signed the Statement of Commitment in Western Australia.

Join us to ensure you’re playing your part in standing up for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.