Supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
Our commitment
We are a workplace of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy and Implementation Plan guides how we:
- attract and recruit staff
- retain and develop with placements and training programs
- build an inclusive cultural environment that leads by example – find ways to share their knowledge and experiences
The Workforce Strategy and Implementation Plan complements our department’s Reconciliation Action Plan. It was developed through consultation and endorsed by our department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff National Committee.
Our support network
We have a staff-led Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff National Committee and staff network. The staff network:
- provides support to staff
- assist in finding solutions to address any concerns
- provides Yarning Circles to support staff at the local level
The national committee represents the interests, perspectives and concerns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through:
- effective advocacy and engagement with senior management
- quality and timely advice on issues that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- advice and support to develop, implement and monitor the department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy
- guidance and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to help them establish rewarding careers in the Australian Public Service
- cultural advice, knowledge and expertise to strengthen cultural competence in and across the department
Our Indigenous champion
We have a dedicated Indigenous Champion. The champion:
- supports the department achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and service delivery outcomes
- represents our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at internal and external celebrations/functions/forums
- promotes support for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
- promotes the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff with senior executives
Contact us
For more information about our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, email IndigenousCapabilityDevelopment@dss.gov.au.