NSW taskforce aims to return Indigenous children to their families

In 2018, an independent report estimated the NSW government spent $1.86bn on programs that were poorly evaluated and focused on removals rather than early intervention. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The New South Wales government has announced a new “restoration taskforce” to oversee efforts to return as many Aboriginal children to their families from the child protection system as is safe.

In a significant policy shift from previous governments, the minister for families and communities, Kate Washington, said the “shocking proportion” of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care can be reduced by working in partnership with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.