NIFTeY is recognised for having contributed to raising awareness in Australia of the crucial importance of early childhood experiences on early brain development, and the evidence for the cost-effectiveness of well-researched early childhood intervention programs.
For example it has brought to Australia leading researchers and advocates for adequate investment in the early years, such as Fraser Mustard, James Heckman, Megan Gunner and Richard Tremblay. These people are now quoted widely in discussion of early childhood policies.
Communication with politicians and policy makers
Parliamentary Friendship Group
In 2005, initiated by a NIFTeY board member and Rosemary Sinclair AO, the Federal Parliament supported a Parliamentary Friendship Group. This bipartisan group of Federal politicians interested in exploring the needs of small children, as expressed by NIFTeY aims, met many times over an 18 months period around 2005. It helped to prepare parliamentarians for what have become current initiatives that advance the health, development and well being of all children in Australia.
NIFTeY has, since its inception, sought opportunities to present the need to support young children to politicians and relevant public servants. NIFTeY has had an opportunity to meet with Hon Maxine McKew and express our pleasure at some of the new directions on early childhood policies and programs proposed by the Rudd Government. NIFTeY actively seeks contact with other ministers whose portfolios impact on young children.
Collaboration with other groups concerned with the well-being
of Australia’s children
ARACY, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth
The NIFTeY Chair, Graham Vimpani, was an original member of group who 'birthed' ARACY after NIFTeY was established.