Phased implementation

A coordinated set of new funded initiatives, that turn our commitments into practical, place-based and system-level change have been co-designed with ACGG, in response to Community voice, aligned to the core elements of the Strategy’s Theory of Change.

Implementation will be staged over 4-5 years to build momentum, deepen relationships, test and learn, scale and embed practice and amplify impact, while ensuring readiness across Communities, services and systems.

Together, these initiatives focus on strengthening what works, removing structural barriers, and enabling Aboriginal children, families and Communities to shape early childhood systems that support strong Cultural identity, wellbeing and learning from the earliest years.

These initiatives were prioritised by the ACGG after extensive analysis by SAACCON and the OECD of the many potential initiatives identified through the co-design process, and a range of other state and national reforms and commitments. The prioritisation was based on alignment back to the opportunity and barrier themes identified through the co-design engagements, alignment to the Theory of Change elements and enablers, and consideration of the principles of sustained investment in fewer, larger impactful initiatives.

The Theory of Change specifically commits to setting programs and delivery partners up for success through effective implementation resourcing, leaving room for iteration, growth, reflection and change. A portion of funding will be quarantined for evaluation, communications products, governance and further co-design, implementation staffing, and building  the capacity and capability of local ACCO peaks via responsive grants. As implementation planning, testing, evaluation and scaling up inform the ongoing monitoring of the Strategy’s impact, the ACGG will also consider funding of priorities in response to emerging national and local opportunities. This flexible and responsive design, and the Aboriginal informed Accountability Framework and evaluation approach, are the main contributors to element 3 of the Theory of Change: there is accountability to Aboriginal Communities and commitment to Indigenous Data Sovereignty. All new and existing specific initiatives have been mapped against the other Theory of Change elements in the following section.

In addition to the new initiatives identified through the co-design process, the OECD has ensured that Aboriginal families, Communities and workforce are at the centre of a wide range of other universal and targeted reforms. These are happening right now to immediately strengthen Aboriginal participation in preschool and, together with the newly funded initiatives, will support achievement of the vision and goals of the Strategy.

Building on the insights from Community engagement, the new initiatives being invested in through this Strategy will be delivered through a phased implementation approach. The Government of South Australia has committed $35 million over the next 4 years, and $12.8 million per annum ongoing from 2030-31. This approach supports momentum-building, trust and confidence across the sector, and ensures systems and services have the capacity to evolve and strengthen over time.