The Queensland Government’s Putting Queensland Kids First strategy offers QAIHC Members opportunities to benefit from investments supporting the health, wellbeing and growth of First Nations kids and their families.

With an investment of nearly $500 million, including nearly $70 million specifically earmarked for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and programs, the strategy is a chance to embed culturally safe early childhood and family programs in our Communities.

The strategy emphasises partnerships with non-government organisations (NGOs) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisations to deliver culturally appropriate and integrated support to enhance health outcomes for Queensland children and families.

Central to the strategy is a commitment to embedding children and families at the heart of community services, ensuring culturally inclusive, diverse, and equitable access to preventive care and support.

The strategy includes:

  • $21.7 million for local place-based policies and co-designed community responses, aimed at connected, community-led delivery.
  • $108.15 million for wellbeing from the earliest stages of life, recognising the importance of establishing a healthy foundation for lifelong resilience.
  • $77.3 million for creating nurturing environments that empower caregivers and enhance child development.
  • Embedding Early Childhood Coordinators within community services, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, to provide comprehensive, wraparound support.
  • $143.52 million for responsive support for healthy development and positive life courses, highlighting the government’s priority on early identification and intervention for children with developmental delays, ensuring timely and effective support.
  • $146.95 million for supporting confident steps through life and learning, fostering positive educational outcomes and smooth transitions from early childhood to schooling.

This approach includes extending free kindergarten hours and integrating health practitioners within primary schools, directly benefiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

For more information on the Putting Queensland Kids First strategy visit: www.qld.gov.au/about/putting-qld-kids-first