Safe, secure, strong families and communities through Aboriginal self-determination

[Instrumental music plays in the background over opening titles and fades out]

[Opening title card: Victoria State Government]

[Second title card: 'Aboriginal self-determination seminars 2016'] ]

[Third title card : 'Reforming the system to support Aboriginal self-determination']

Female Narrator MURIEL BAMBLETT: There is no resource that is more vital to the continued existence and integrity of our nation, and that is of our children. If we as families, parent, grandparents and aunties and uncles and in our Aboriginal communities don't exercise our right as first peoples of this country to self-determination, in relation to the needs of our children, it will mean nothing to the future of our peoples.

[Onscreen, animation entitled: 'Professor Muriel Bamblett - CEO of Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency']

Male narrator: ANDREW JACKOMOS: What surprised me most when I started as Commissioner three years ago, was the near, and I stress near virtual lack of self-determination in the children's area.. in the child protection area. The lack of support provided by the department to hearing the voice of not only Aboriginal children, but the inclusion of local Aboriginal communities in policy and program design and delivery.

[Onscreen, animation entitled: 'Andrew Jackomos PSM, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People']

Female Narrator MURIEL BAMBLETT: Self-determination is about creating a different approach to supporting our people and our children because it acknowledges Aboriginality and the special status as First Peoples. We believe that enhancing the legislative policy and program and practice framework, whether this be through a treaty, or other forms of an agreement, that entrenches the principle/implementation of self-determination, in relation to the needs of our children, and rights, continues to be integral, and is the only way forward.

Male narrator: ANDREW JACKOMOS: Self-determination cannot just be at the highest levels of government. But it has to start form how we, as parents, Aboriginal community organisations, community sector organisations such as Anglicare, MacKillop and Berry Street, and child protection, relate to our children, ensuring that they can be part of a self-determining community. Commitment and right words around self-determination by government and this department are on the right path. But it's actual practice that will make a difference for our children.

Female Narrator MURIEL BAMBLETT: Victoria's model of child welfare is an example of a move towards self-determination in practice. All human rights principles though are abstract concepts which need to be implemented in their local contexts, applied to local needs, applied to local Aboriginal people.

[Instrumental music fades in over the closing titles]

[Closing title card: 'Aboriginal self-determination seminars 2016']

[Second closing title card: Victoria State Government]

[Third closing title card: Authorised by the Department of Health & Huma Services. 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne]