Story of our Children and Young People publication released

25 October 2021

A publication released today provides a comprehensive picture of the wellbeing of children and young people across the NT, building on the inaugural Story of Our Children and Young People published in 2019.

The Territory Labor Government publication, prepared by Menzies School of Health Research, provides statistical information across all areas of child development including:

being valued, loved and safe;
having material basics;
being healthy;
learning;
participating; and
having a positive sense of identity and culture.

It lays the foundation to inform and guide policy, ensuring that Government programs and resources are targeted where they are needed.

The Story of our Children and Young People (The Story) was developed under the guidance of an independent editorial committee comprised of members with expertise and experience in policy development; service delivery and research in early childhood; and child and adolescent wellbeing.

The Story tells the Northern Territory story for the six regions - Greater Darwin, Top End, East Arnhem, Big Rivers, Barkly and Central Australia, and contains both key measures and local stories for each of the regions.

The 2021 Story builds upon the previous edition and this year includes the addition of an interactive online data platform that allows users to interact with the data; build custom tables and graphs; and access information by Aboriginal status and sub-region.

For more information go to https://cmc.nt.gov.au/children.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lauren Moss:

“The Territory Labor Government is improving the lives of the our children and young people in many ways, including investing $230 million over five years into better supporting children, young people and families experiencing vulnerability through our Safe, Thriving and Connected initiative.

“This publication is a foundation to inform and guide policy, planning, decision-making and practice to improve outcomes for Territorians aged 0-24.

“The Story is a State of the Children publication for the Northern Territory that was a recommendation from the NT Government’s Early Childhood Development Plan, Starting Early for a Better Future, in 2017.

“It provide a comprehensive picture of the wellbeing of children and young people, across a broad range of indicators and builds on the inaugural edition towards improved wellbeing and better futures.”

Quotes attributable to Chair of the 2021 Story Editorial Committee Peter Pangquee:

“The Editorial Committee is pleased to present the 2021 edition of the Story of Our Children and Young People. The Story is an important tool for our community leaders, the early childhood, child and youth sectors, and indeed the whole community, with relevant data to inform decision making.

“The Story not only presents data on key indicators of wellbeing for children and young people, it also highlights some of the work happening throughout our communities to improve outcomes for our children and young people, as well as cultural stories of wellness from a number of cultural traditions.”

Quotes attributable to Professor - Child Development, Population Health and Policy, Menzies School of Research Steve Guthridge:

“Together with the Northern Territory Government and the members of the Editorial Committee, the Menzies team has developed a comprehensive resource outlining information across key areas of wellbeing for children and young people. The Story provides an evidence-base to inform policy and practice and support an outcomes approach.

“The 2021 Story builds on the 2019 edition with the development of an online data platform which makes available further information by region, sub-region and Aboriginal status, to support easier access to important data for our children and young people.”

Media Contact: Jasmin Afianos - 0419 361 127

Northern Territory Government