About Us

Who are Combined Voices?

Combined Voices is a coalition of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peak bodies, representative groups and individuals who have come together in response to the poor outcomes that continue to be experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in terms of safety, education and health.

The founding voices are:

  • Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Human Services  Coalition (QATSIHSC)

  • Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS)

  • Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP)

  • PeakCare Queensland

  • CREATE Foundation

  • Individual professionals commited to the cause.

 

Of course, we are also our supporters (both inviduals and organisations).

 

What is the issue?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are still experiencing poor outcomes in terms of their safety, education and health and are significantly over-represented in the child protection system.

 

What are some of the facts?

  • In Queensland 1 out of every 4.5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children has had some form of contact with the child protection system.

  • As of 30 June 2009 only 58.2% of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care were placed with Indigenous carers.  Only 12% had phone contact with a family member and only 13% had regular contact with extended family.

  • During 2007-08 Aboriginal and Islander children were almost twice as likely to die between the ages of 0-4 as non-Indigenous children.

  • Only 45% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people complete year 12 as compared to 86% of non-Indigenous young people.

 

What are some of the myths?

  • This problem too big.  No!  This problem can be solved.  There are 14,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system – that’s less than half the seats in the Gabba football stadium. Fixing this is achievable.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents cannot look after their children.  Most parents experience some difficulty looking after their kids at some point and receive support from the community, family and friends

 

What does Combined Voices aim to do?

Combined Voices aims to work in partnership with government, government departments and non government organisations to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to take responsibility for solutions to solve the crisis.

Combined Voices is working to stop the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system by 2020.

 

Three things you can do to get involved:

  • Sign up to the Campaign and find out more by visiting www.combinedvoices.org.au

  • Be active - use the link on the Combined Voices website to email Queensaland Government ministers and MPs.

  • Spread the word and encourage other people and organisations to join the Campaign.