National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009 - 2020

Australia’s children deserve a safe, healthy and happy childhood.

Our children 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 andarecommitted to implementing the initial actions it contains. It is an ambitious, 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.

Endorsed at the Council of Australian Governments meeting on 30 April 2009 by:

Kevin Rudd Prime Minister

Nathan Rees, Premier New South Wales

Anna Bligh, Premier Queensland

Mike Rann, Premier South Australia

David Bartlett, Premier Tasmania

John Brumby, Premier Victoria

Colin Barnett, Premier Western Australia

Jon Stanhope, Chief Minister Australian Capital Territory

Paul Henderson , Chief Minister Northern Territory