National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

High quality early childhood education and care changes lives – for the better.

We know the early years matter with 90% of brain development occurring in the first 5 years of a child’s life.

That’s why participation in preschool in the year before school is one of the key Closing the Gap targets.

And almost 95% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are now doing just that.

This is a great outcome, and we know there is more to do.

From January 2026, we’re replacing the Activity Test and subsidising 100 hours of early childhood education and care every fortnight for First Nations children.

That’s thanks to the Albanese Government’s 3-Day Guarantee, and advocates like Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.

We’re also working alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations – because no one is better placed to ensure Aboriginal kids grow up strong and connected.

Our Building Early Education Fund recognises the crucial role that ACCOs play in Indigenous communities and will support them to provide the vital services that their communities need.

Today is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. As SNAICC reminds us, it’s a day to celebrate the potential of every First Nations child.

And it’s a day for us to recommit ourselves to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to build a better future for First Nations kids.