The federal government has "reaffirmed its commitment to addressing entrenched, intergenerational disadvantage experienced by families and their children and communities" ahead of the second Investment Dialogue for Australia's Children (IDAC) roundtable.
Being held in Adelaide on Friday, the dialogue brings Government and 24 philanthropic partners together to agree to work collaboratively to empower vulnerable communities, the families that live in them and their children.
The roundtable has agreed to the scope and direction of the next phase of the 10-year Commonwealth-philanthropy IDAC partnership.
Associated actions include collaborating with local communities to align investments and better back-in community change in up to 50 communities by 2030, and expanding the partnership by inviting State and Territory government partners and new philanthropic members to work with IDAC.
The roundtable has also agreed to form a dedicated early years Working Group to improve early childhood development in communities experiencing disadvantage with a focus on wraparound services and First Nations led models, and to establish the IDAC Social Impact Investment and Advisory Working Group under the Government's $100 million Outcomes Fund.
Attendees at Friday's roundtable include Ngarrindjeri woman and inaugural member of South Australia's Voice to Parliament, Deb Moyle and South Australia's Commissioner for Aboriginal Children & Young People, April Lawrie.
Arrernte/Luritja woman woman and SNAICC chief executive officer, Catherine Liddle, and Servena McIntyre, a proud proud Wadi Wadi, Wemba Wemba, Wiradjuri woman who is the chief transformation officer for the Cultural Justice and Reform Unit responsible for leading Life Without Barriers Elevate RAP & Transformation Project will also attend.
IDAC was an outcome of the Government's 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit, delivered under the $200 million Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage package to achieve better outcomes and wellbeing for Australian children and young people in collaboration with philanthropy.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said it is through true, meaningful collaboration of government, philanthropic organisations and Australian communities that positive, lasting change will be achieved.
"It is through the honest dialogue and informed discussions taking place through these roundtables that will allow us to introduce evidence-based policy and best practices to the benefit of all Australians," Minister Rishworth said.
"We need to continually ensure we put communities at the centre of all we do not just as a recipient of the decisions we make."
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the best way to achieve real, lasting results is by listening to communities and partnering with those who know them best.
"Government and philanthropy can make a profound difference in children's lives – but only if work together with the communities who know best what they need to thrive," the Treasurer said.
"Too many kids in communities around Australia are trapped in the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage.
"Through the Investment Dialogue we're aligning our efforts and investing in the future of our children, and of our nation."
IDAC executive member and Paul Ramsay Foundation CEO, Professor Kristy Muir, said that philanthropy is proud to be part of this collaboration.
"The Investment Dialogue represents a genuine commitment from philanthropy, government and community to work differently to create the conditions for children and young people to thrive," Professor Muir said.
"Coordinating our efforts and investments will ensure we're working for community, not the other way around."
First Nations Leadership Council Chair April Lawrie said IDAC was a vehicle to "bring the right players to the table to improve the way in which philanthropy, government and community work together for the benefit of our children".
"Historically, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities haven't had the opportunity to work with both philanthropy and government together in a coordinated way, so establishing the First Nations Leadership Council in May was an important milestone, which represents new ground with great potential," Ms Lawrie said.
More information on the Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage package is available on the Department of Social Services website.
