National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing

The National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing (National Coalition) comprises non-government organisations and researchers who are committed to advancing the national campaign on child safety and wellbeing in Australia. Families Australia convenes the National Coalition.

2022 Annual Meeting | National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing
Held on 22 June 2022, over 75 members and stakeholders attended the Annual Meeting. Meeting presenters included Mr Tim Crosier – Branch Manager, Children’s Policy Branch, Department of Social Services (DSS) and Ms Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.

A summary of the meeting can be download via National Coalition 2022 Annual Meeting Summary.

June 2022 DSS Consultation Paper | Proposed Governance arrangements – Safe and Supported:  the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021–2031.

On 21 June 2022, the Department of Social Services (DSS) sought comment from the National Coalition on governance arrangements being proposed for Safe and Supported. The consultation paper was circulated to National Coalition members for review ahead of a response being submitted to DSS on Monday 4 July.  A copy of the submission can be accessed through the following link:
National Coalition submission to  proposed governance structure for implementing: Safe and Supported.

[National Coalition members can request a copy of the previously circulated discussion paper via email: policy@familiesaustralia.org.au.]

National Coalition Steering Group

A Steering Group is the principal representative group for the National Coalition. Steering Group members also serve on the National Forum for Protecting Australia’s Children, a high-level group that also comprises senior Commonwealth, State and Territory Government officials. The National Forum meets 2-3 times per annum to oversee progress with the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020 (National Framework).

Steering Group members were appointed by the broader National Coalition at the outset of the National Framework to represent a range of areas, including research, peak bodies, out-of-home care, family support, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and communities. Membership of the Steering Group has evolved in the course of the National Framework to ensure that representation aligns with Action Plan priorities.

National Coalition Steering Group members are:

• Mr Jamie Crosby, Chief Executive Officer, Families Australia (National Coalition convenor and co-chair of the National Forum)
• Ms Catherine Liddle, CEO, SNAICC-National Voice for our Children
• Professor Leah Bromfield, Co-Director, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia
• Ms Annette Michaux, Director, Parenting Research Centre
• Ms Bev Orr OAM, President, Australian Foster Care Association
• Ms Jacqui Reed, Chief Executive Officer, CREATE Foundation
• Mr Richard Cooke, Chief Executive Officer, NAPCAN
• Professor Daryl Higgins, Director, Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University
• Mr Tony Pietropiccolo AM, Director, Centrecare Inc. (WA)
• Mr Simon Schrapel AM, Chief Executive, Uniting Communities (SA)

How can we join the National Coalition?

Membership of the National Coalition is free. Members receive quarterly e-bulletins. Please email Families Australia (admin@familiesaustralia.org.au) for more information.

National Coalition membership stands at over 200 organisations, consultants and academics.
The list of Members can be accessed here.