This submission to the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability addresses equity concerns within the Thriving Kids initiative. Submitted jointly by the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia (MYAN) and 54 reasons (part of Save the Children Australia), it focuses on identifying intersectional issues affecting First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children.
The organisations highlight that CALD children in the pre-school age group are approximately half as likely to access early support services such as speech or occupational therapy compared to other Australian children. Their key recommendations include:
- Comprehensive cultural competence training for programme staff
- Active involvement of First Nations and CALD representatives in programme design, implementation, and evaluation
- Tailored services addressing historical trauma, migration-related stressors, and health barriers
- Multilingual resources and bilingual support workers to overcome language barriers
- Partnerships with local CALD organisations as trusted intermediaries
- Community consultations including direct participation by children and families
- Addressing systemic barriers related to geographical and financial accessibility
- Flexible support options customised to individual family needs
The submission emphasises children’s right to participate in decisions affecting them and advocates for inclusive, culturally sensitive approaches to ensure the initiative meets the diverse needs of all Australian children and families.
