15/09/2026
As Victoria approach the State Election on 28 November, the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) is committed to inclusive, collaborative and respectful public messaging that promotes the rights and wellbeing of children, young people, their carers and families.
Robust public debate is an important part of a healthy democracy. As we contribute to discussion of social and public policy in the lead-up to the election, we urge everyone to engage with differing perspectives openly and constructively. As the peak body for child and family services we reject messaging that is divisive or derogatory.
The Centre acknowledges and celebrates more than 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, expertise, leadership and contribution to this country. We are proud to work alongside and learn from the world’s oldest continuing cultures, and we honour the enduring connections to Country that have sustained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for generations.
We stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in supporting Aboriginal-led approaches, Treaty, and the truth-telling and healing journey advanced through Yoorrook. We support the leadership of Gellung Warl, V***A and the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance in advancing the rights, safety, wellbeing and self-determination of Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.
We also stand with multicultural and multifaith communities across Victoria, and encourage them to advocate for recognition, policy and services that help their children and families thrive in ways that respect their traditions and are meaningful to them.
For over 100 years, the Centre has committed to keeping children, young people, their families and their carers safe, supported and involved in decisions that affect them. Our six election priorities address ongoing challenges across our sector, offering practical solutions that will have immediate impacts on the lives of children and families. Every child deserves the opportunity to live a great life and grow up in a secure and nurturing environment with strong connections to family, community and culture.
When children and families flourish, so does our whole community.
View the Centre's six election priorities here: https://loom.ly/HgkhpBM
