Government officials try to instil an "us versus them" mentality when it comes to Indigenous mothers who have their children in care, a former Greens Senate candidate says.
Gunditjmara, Kirrae Whurrong and Djab Wurrung woman Sissy Austin was aged 21 when she stepped in to care for 13-year-old Tinjani, who she grew up with, after the younger girl's nanna died.
She received no initial support from authorities, with child protection taking an almost "casual approach" given Tinjani sought out her family herself, Ms Austin told the Yoorrook Justice Commission on Thursday.
