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Report on the NSW Government's Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
Program aims and objectives The aim of the Program is to improve government services by co-ordinating service delivery in a way that meets the needs of individual customers and communities while making the best use of available government resources. The objectives of the Program are to:
Program principles The establishment and implementation of strategies and projects under the Regional Co-ordination Program will be based on one or more of the following principles:
Evaluation The RCP was evaluated after the first two years of operation. On the basis of this evaluation the Premier announced the extension of the Program to include an additional four regions with a further evaluation of the entire Program after another two years of operation. The Regional Co-ordination Program (RCP) has:
The Working With Aboriginal Communities Project Background The Western NSW Working with Aboriginal Communities Project commenced in 1995 and aims to:
Through this program strong relationships have been developed with both the Murdi Paaki (ATSIC) Regional Council and the Binaal Billa (ATSIC) Regional Council. Current situation During 1998 the Premier’s Department facilitated formal meetings involving Regional Managers of State government agencies with:
In late 1997 the Regional Co-ordinator, Dubbo co-ordinated the involvement of Regional Managers of State Government agencies in a two day Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Course which was conducted by the Western Institute of TAFE. Subsequent to this training, a number of Regional Managers of State government agencies have engaged the Western Institute of TAFE to conduct this training for front line agency staff (Department of Juvenile Justice, Macquarie Area Health Service, Western Institute of TAFE staff; and the Department of Fair Trading). Additionally a number of agencies including the Department of Community Services, NSW Police Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Fair Trading have continued internal cultural awareness training programs for staff. Evaluation/achievements Positive feedback has been received from the ATSIC Regional Council Chairman about agency input into the Murdi Paaki and the Binaal Billa Regional Plans. Good working relationships have been forged with Aboriginal organisations in the western area as evidenced by the enormous support for, input into, and ongoing participation in the Premier’s Forum “Working Together in Strengthening Rural Communities”. Increased levels of trust and understanding between Aboriginal communities and State government agencies has led to improved co-operation and input from those communities. This has been particularly evident in Walgett and Bourke. North Coast Regional Co-ordination Program Indigenous profile for the Many Rivers ATSIC Region (North Coast, Hunter and Central Coast), NSW This project was developed to provide accurate publicly accessible data profiles relating to the demographics of Indigenous people in the Many Rivers Region ATSIC Region. A summary collection of data for small areas in the region has been compiled. The document allows comparisons to be made with the rest of the Indigenous population of New South Wales and with the non-Indigenous population. The information will assist in service delivery and planning by a range of government and non-government organisations. The data profile was jointly funded by the Lismore Regional Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and the Premier’s Department North Coast Regional Co-ordination Program. Wula Wula Nga (Shared Vision) This project aims to develop a shared vision between Aboriginal communities in the Richmond Valley and government human services departments about ways to improve service delivery to better meet the needs of the Aboriginal communities. It was initiated by Aboriginal workers in State agencies and taken up by Regional Managers as part of the Premier’s Department Regional Co-ordination Program on the North Coast. Participants in the project are Kempsey Council, representatives from the Aboriginal community, DEETYA, ATSIC, MNC Health Service, Probation and Parole, local magistrates, Kempsey Economic Development Trust and the Departments of Aboriginal Affairs, Community Services, State and Regional Development, Housing, Juvenile Justice, Sport and Recreation, Education and Training, TAFE and the Department for Women. Since October 1997, 12 government departments (including DEETYA in the first year) have jointly funded an Aboriginal co-ordinator to undertake consultations with thirteen Aboriginal communities in the Richmond Valley. The goal of the project is to provide improved services to Aboriginal communities by developing a co-ordinated approach to work practices and management that involve the communities in decision making as an equal partner. It is anticipated that important outcomes will include: the development of a model for a holistic approach to service delivery to communities; reducing confusion for families; increasing support and multi-skilling among workers; and addressing issues which prevent Aboriginal people from freely accessing mainstream services. Current status A very successful workshop involving over 100 Aboriginal community representatives was held in October 1998. This was a significant step towards the “shared vision” and reconciliation. A “Statement of Commitment” was signed by all human services regional managers. During 1999, regional managers of State agencies are committed to working with the communities to establish the co-ordinated models of service delivery. Outcomes/outputs The project has been jointly funded by 13 agencies and has received positive input and encouragement from Bundjalung Elders. The consultation process was largely harmonious and a report on the workshop was prepared and circulated to all agencies and to the communities. State agencies have responded to the issues and recommendations raised and these are currently being amalgamated into a formal response to the communities. Some responses are agency specific but others, such as the Bundjalung specific cultural awareness training developed by the Bundjalung Elders Council, and the potential for a jointly funded Aboriginal human services model, have application across a number of areas. Regional Managers have agreed to develop co-ordinated models of service delivery in Tabulam, Mulubugilmah and Baryulgil. A jointly funded local worker has been agreed in principle for Tabulam. These proposals link closely with the Government’s Families First Program which is aimed at early intervention and prevention rather than crisis responses. Kempsey Community Economic Renewal Background The North Coast Regional Managers of State Government agencies, through the Premier’s Department Regional Co-ordination Program and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, agreed to work together with the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB), ATSIC, the Kempsey Shire Council and the local community to address community economic renewal issues in Kempsey. The project has a particular focus on the Aboriginal community. The project arose from concerns in the community with youth crime. A meeting of Regional Managers from State agencies and the Kempsey Shire Council was convened participants agreed that a number of crime prevention initiatives would be put in place, but acknowledges that the situation would not change substantially until there are greater employment opportunities for young people, particularly in the Aboriginal population. The long-term goal of the project is the development of sustainable strategies for revitalisation/renewal of Kempsey with a particular emphasis on economic and employment strategies for the Aboriginal population. These strategies may be applicable in other areas of rural New South Wales. Strategies include collecting information on:
Consultations have been held with each of the Aboriginal communities as well with the Dhungutti Elders and stakeholders in existing and proposed enterprises. Detailed discussions have been held with all of the key stakeholders, in particular, the Local Council and its Economic Development Trust, the Community Development Employment Program, DEWRSB (at the local, State and Commonwealth level), the Regional Development Board and the Area Consultative Committee. In addition, all State Departments have been involved. Outcomes/outputs State and Commonwealth agencies have brought existing resources together to assist with the Project’s goals. State agencies jointly contributed $40,000. The regional office of ATSIC contributed $15,000. The Indigenous Employment Branch of DWERSB contributed $20,000. The funds were pooled to employ the project team to consult, build co-operative relationships and prepare and obtain agreement on appropriate strategies. Funding for the Wutuma Keeping Place feasibility study has been announced ($20,000 DSRD and $4,000 ATSIC). A draft employment strategy paper has been prepared and distributed. DSRD has agreed to a Regional Economic Transition Scheme (RETS) in Kempsey to focus on employment issues in the broader community. The DEWRSB has agreed to focus placements on private sector employment, training, peer support and mentoring. In 1998 the Department for Women (DFW) and the Premier’s Council for Women consulted with Aboriginal women in Sydney and Taree. Women present at both consultations informed the Department for Women of their concerns in relation to Aboriginal women’s access to services in the Kempsey region. The Department followed the issue up with the North Coast Regional Co-ordination Program and agreed to participate in the Kempsey Community and Economic Renewal Project and be represented on the Steering Committee of the Project. The role of the Department for Women is to ensure that the interests of Aboriginal women are represented in the development and implementation of the project’s strategies. DFW has employed a project officer to work in Kempsey for 12 months, working part of the time on women’s employment issues. In addition to DFW’s contribution to the Kempsey Community and Economic Renewal Project, work is also being done with Aboriginal women and their organisations to improve access to local services. As part of this work a series of consultations with women of the various Macleay Valley Aboriginal communities is planned for July 1999. This aspect of the work will concentrate on identifying the needs of Aboriginal women and creating better links with the work of the Department for Women and other government agencies. Redfern/Waterloo Co-ordination Project Background This project aims to improve co-ordination among government agencies and key stakeholder groups in the Redfern/Waterloo community, and to develop cross-agency strategies and initiatives for common issues. Redfern/Waterloo has a strong and effective government agency network already working on a number of major projects and programs. These agencies have asked for additional support for the co-ordination of projects and the development of some formal (and confidential) inter-agency networks to improve communication and co-operation, especially in those areas, such as Youth Services, which fall outside their sole or core responsibility. Consultation with community and non-government stakeholder groups is through existing committees and structures, such as the Department of Housing’s Neighbourhood Advisory Boards. It is not the intention of the project to duplicate consultation mechanisms and committees. Project description The project will build on existing initiatives and programs in the Redfern/Waterloo area and will aim to create a whole of government approach to program planning, budgeting and service delivery among the key human service and justice agencies. Project direction and management is the shared responsibility of the following agencies:
These agencies have jointly provided resources for the project from within existing budgets. A Redfern Co-ordination Project Manager has been seconded from the Department of Community Services and a project officer has been seconded from the Central Sydney Area Health Service (CSAHS). Both officers are Aboriginal and will be based in Redfern in CSAHS accommodation. The Project Committee’s Terms of Reference include:
The Project Co-ordination Group has identified the following priorities:
3.1.3 Department of Local Government Community and Social Plans The Department has introduced a regulation to require councils to produce a community/social plan. The Local Government (General) Amendment (Community and Social Plans) Regulation 1998, requires all councils in New South Wales to develop a social/community plan or its equivalent by June 1999. The plans will require councils to consider their community’s profile and consult with their constituents before determining which services or programs they will provide. The State Committee for Improved Services to Aboriginal communities is currently undertaking studies of ten council areas with the aim of identifying good practices in service delivery to Aboriginal communities and to identify opportunities for improving service delivery. The project involves working with councils and Aboriginal communities, to identify issues, funding sources and desired time frames required to address the issues, with people from the council and the Aboriginal community. The ten selected councils and their current status are as follows:
Aboriginal Mentoring Program Since its inception in 1997, twelve councils have participated in the Aboriginal Mentoring Program. The program aims to increase Aboriginal representation in local government. Aboriginal community members are allocated a mentor within council, to give them a greater insight into local government and to encourage more Aboriginal people to run for office at the elections in 1999. The program also provides the community with an opportunity to learn more about the local government process and the importance of an Aboriginal voice in local government. The Councils that are currently participating in the program include Kyogle Shire Council, Maclean Shire Council, Moree Plains Shire Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Leichhardt Municipal Council, Severn Shire Council, Gosford City Council. Marrickville, Randwick, Eurobodalla, Cessnock and Port Stephens councils have endorsed the program and are in the process of selecting mentors and candidates. The Department has also commenced an evaluation of the Mentoring Program to be completed by March 2000. The evaluation will involve interviews with program participants and participating councils. Local Government Aboriginal Consultative/Advisory Committees The Department has facilitated the development of Local Government Aboriginal Consultative/Advisory Committees in 45 council areas throughout New South Wales. The purpose of these committees is to improve communication, understanding and trust between Aboriginal people and local government. The inaugural Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum was held in November 1998. The forum was made up of representatives from Randwick, Waverley, Botany, South Sydney and Woollahra Councils. The primary aim of the forum is to address Indigenous issues on a regional basis. There is also a move to establish these forums in other regional areas. The Local Government Network The Local Government Network has been operating since 1988 to provide information and to facilitate discussion on local government issues relating to Aboriginal communities. Conferences are held twice a year. Bourke Shire Council hosted the Network Conference in October 1998. Over 100 delegates attended the Conference in 1998 representing councils and external agencies. The next Conference will be hosted by Eurobodalla Shire Council on 17-18 March 1999. 3.1.4 Department for Women The Department is engaged in several projects which aim to provide the Premier’s Council for Women and the Department for Women with effective and culturally appropriate processes for consulting and communicating with Aboriginal women and to help strengthen the voice of Aboriginal women in government. The Department for Women and Premier’s Council for Women consulted with Aboriginal women in Stanmore, Taree and Grafton in 1998. Concerns and issues that were raised at the Stanmore and Taree consultation have been produced in a list of recommendations that have been sent to the Premier for his comments. An Aboriginal Women’s Directory on service providers for Indigenous women has been produced for the Greater Sydney Region. The Premier’s comments and an Executive Summary and Final Report will be taken back to the women consulted and finalised by July 1999. One of the current Council initiatives is to work closely with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs on the Aboriginal Communities Development Program to ensure that Indigenous community women and their organisations are consulted and represented on working parties formed for the infrastructure program. The Council is keen to ensure that Indigenous women know what government services are available to them and their families. It is also concerned that the needs of Indigenous women form the development of government policy. The Council will therefore be consulting with Indigenous women in their local areas to hear what matters in their lives. 3.2 DISCRIMINATION AND RECONCILIATION 3.2.1 Discrimination Evidence of Disadvantage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still experiencing discrimination and abuses of their human rights in Australia today. Both the international community and Indigenous peoples see the need for a statement of Indigenous rights which acknowledges past and present disadvantages and which reflects future aspirations. In recognition of this fact, the Australian Federal Government has participated in four sessions of the Working Group to formulate a Draft International Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Although this document will not be binding, if signed by the Australian government, ratification will demonstrate the government’s commitment to the principles contained in the Declaration. Government Policy The government is committed to addressing discrimination and other unfair treatment against Aboriginal people. Since its introduction, the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, which is administerd by the NSW Government, has contained provisions making discrimination and harassment on the ground of race unlawful. In 1989, these provisions were extended to cover racial vilification, that is, a public act inciting hatred against a person or group of people on the ground of their race. In 1996 laws banning discrimination in employment were strengthened through the enactment of the Industrial Relations Act 1996. That Act requires the Industrial Relations Commission to take account of the principles of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 in carrying out its functions. Other provisions ensure that awards and agreements regulating employment do not discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The President of the Anti-Discrimination Board may intervene in Commission proceedings if they concern unlawful discrimination under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Responsibility The Anti-Discrimination Board has responsibility for administering the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Its role is to investigate and attempt to conciliate complaints of discrimination, prevent discrimination through education and training programs and recommend improvements to policies and laws which affect disadvantaged groups. Many other government agencies have specific policies and programs designed to prevent and address discrimination and to promote reconciliation and self-determination. Among these are the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, the Office of the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment, the Department for Women and the Department of Industrial Relations. 3.2.2 Main Government Programs and their Outcomes Anti-Discrimination Board During 1997-98 financial year the Board received 101 complaints (8% of total complaints) from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Anti-Discrimination Board has developed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Program designed to prevent discrimination against Indigenous people and to assist in situations where it has occurred. Through the Outreach Program three Indigenous staff members assist communities throughout New South Wales by:
During 1998 the Outreach Program ran rural programs in Walgett, Moree, Wagga Wagga, Bateman’s Bay and Nowra. These programs were community based education sessions, the purpose of which was to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of their rights and responsibilities under the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Achievements in 1998 included:
Department for Women The NSW Women’s Grants Program provides non-recurrent funding to organisations in New South Wales to further the State Government’s Social Justice objectives of equity rights participation and access. The Program has an annual allocation of $1 million. The 1998 Grants Program was advertised late May 1998 in the major metropolitan press, regional and rural press and the Koori Mail. Information sessions for interested groups were conducted early in the application phase at Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Sydney CBD. Each session was preceded by a session specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island groups interested in applying for funding through the Program. The Aboriginal Information Officer who is employed by the Department for Women conducted the session. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island contacts within the Department were provided for groups in need of assistance or additional information when completing the application. The following grants specifically for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community were funded:
Total allocation under the NSW Women’s Grants Program to projects specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women was $111,053 – 12.2% of total funding. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are one of the key target groups of the Department’s Women’s Information and Referral Service (WIRS). The Service refers Indigenous women to government and community Indigenous organisations and agencies with identified positions for Aboriginal staff. To enable staff to be equipped to refer Aboriginal callers to Aboriginal organisations and agencies with identified positions for Aboriginal staff, information officers from WIRS (both Indigenous and non Indigenous) have organised a visitation program to such organisations. This provides an opportunity to develop and maintain accurate and current information about organisations and to network with and keep these organisations informed about developments in WIRS. In 1998 the Aboriginal Information Officer from WIRS had considerable input into the development and distribution of the Aboriginal Women’s Directory. The directory was part of a joint project between the Department for Women and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The directory is a resource for Aboriginal women wishing to identify contacts in a wide range of NSW Government and non government organisations in the Greater Sydney area. 3.2.3 Reconciliation In November 1996 the Governor-General, Sir William Deane, called upon all Australian Parliaments to affirm their support for true national reconciliation. Soon after, the Premier, the Honourable R J Carr, MP, made a Reconciliation Speech to the New South Wales Parliament in which he apologised to Aboriginal people on behalf of the people of New South Wales for past abuses which continue to impact upon members of the Aboriginal community. He recognised that the apology was an essential step in the process of reconciliation, and he acknowledged the role of Parliament in endorsing policies and actions which inflicted grief and suffering upon Aboriginal families and communities. This apology was reiterated by the Deputy Premier, Dr Andrew Refshauge in a speech commemorating National Sorry Day, 26 May this year. In response to National Sorry Day, the NSW Government launched three publications: Securing the Truth, NSW Government Response and The Stolen Generations aimed at providing accounts of the practices of removal in New South Wales. The Premier also recognised that the reconciliation process had stalled and, on behalf of the Government of New South Wales, he presented a program planned to restore the process of reconciliation. The Premier indicated that the government is:
On 18 June 1997, the Premier, supported by the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable A J Refshauge, MP, and the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable P E Collins, QC, MP, called upon Parliament, on behalf of the people of New South Wales, to:
The Premier also invited submissions from Aboriginal groups on proposals for a suitable public memorial to the Stolen Generations. The Premier announced on National Sorry Day 1998, a $45,000 Government grant to the Stolen Generations Memorial Foundation, a public trust established by the Stolen Generations Working Group and managed by public Trustees. (The Foundation will consider options for an appropriate memorial for members of the Stolen Generations.) The NSW State Reconciliation Committee, which was formally launched in June 1997 by the Governor of NSW, Mr Gordon Samuels, has 32 voluntary members (including two youth members) who come from a broad range of backgrounds. The Committee aims to promote reconciliation through consultation and public education. Consequently, it works closely with Australians for Reconciliation (AFR). AFR has helped to establish over 40 local groups throughout New South Wales. The groups meet regularly to organise community events and to operate as study circles that discuss and promote issues relevant to Indigenous culture and reconciliation. The Government has provided $76,000 for administrative costs to the State Reconciliation Committee. A further $25,000 has been made available to the NSW State Reconciliation Committee, in partnership with the Premier’s Council on Crime Prevention, to visit and inform communities about current issues in Aboriginal Affairs, including issues of the Stolen Generations. The State Reconciliation Committee, in partnership with various AFR groups is conducting a series of “Travelling Roadshows” across New South Wales. These events combine entertainment and education, and seek to address the fundamental questions involved in reconciliation. The Roadshows provide an opportunity for the State Reconciliation Committee to tap into the concerns of small and internally diverse communities. The NSW Government established an annual “Black Parliament” involving members of the NSW Parliament and elected representatives of Aboriginal communities. Held on 27 June 1997 and 16 September 1998, the first two meetings of Black Parliament have provided the opportunity for an exchange of ideas and acknowledgment of the importance of reconciliation. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission noted that the Commonwealth Government had an obligation to support indigenous language, cultural and history centres. While the establishment of cultural and language centres is a Commonwealth responsibility, the NSW Government continues to support initiatives to promote and protect Aboriginal cultures and histories. The NSW Government will work with Elders from Aboriginal communities to record oral histories, in consultation with agencies such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The Government will also work with Aboriginal Elders to record the languages and histories of communities and to protect the cultural heritage of Aboriginal people. Five communities projects will be undertaken to record Aboriginal languages. The Department of Education and Training provides Aboriginal Language programs in sixteen public schools in NSW. Financial support was also provided for the 1997 Elders Indigenous Language Summit held in Dubbo. In response to the need to assist in family tracing and reunions, and the findings of Bringing them home, the NSW Government has in place several programs, and projects. These include record preservation, access guidelines, tracing and reunion services and record indexes and guides. Record Access, Guides and Preservation In his formal apology in the NSW Parliament on 18 June 1997, the Premier announced that the Department of Aboriginal Affairs would convene a records working group, the Records Access Taskforce, to analyse the recommendations from Bringing them home and to develop a strategy for improving access to records in New South Wales. To ensure the protection of all records relating to Aboriginal people a moratorium preventing their destruction has been initiated and will stay in place until the Taskforce has completed its work. A set of common guidelines for records access has been completed. These guidelines will ensure easier access to records for Aboriginal people who have been separated from their families. The NSW Government will establish a “One Stop Shop” that will enable Aboriginal people to access records about themselves or their families. This initiatives has been designed to increase accessibility and to ensure that Aboriginal people who have been affected by the removal policies, receive appropriate support, information and advice on how to trace their families and research and document their own family and community histories. Connecting Kin The Records Access Taskforce has worked closely with the Department of Community Services on the Connecting Kin Project. Connecting Kin, launched in September 1998, is a resource kit which assists in tracing records for people separated from their families. It includes a list of records, contact details, practical advice on accessing records, listings of support services, and ways to access tracing assistance. Connecting Kin has a specific focus on Bringing them home and employed an Aboriginal Project Officer to assist with the report. Connecting Kin is available from the Department of Community Services. State Records NSW (formerly the Archives Authority) released a Guide to NSW Archives Relating to Aboriginal People in August 1998. The Guide lists records relating to Aboriginal people from sources including the Aborigines Welfare Board, the Colonial Secretary, Police and Education. It includes the location of search rooms and regional repositories where records can be viewed. The Guide can be obtained from State Records NSW. The Archives Authority of NSW has also commenced a Special Preservation Project, to preserve the files of the Aboriginal Welfare Board. The project commenced in 1997, with $103,000 provided over two years to ensure records are maintained and accessible to Aboriginal researchers and communities. Support for Link-Up (NSW) The NSW Government acknowledges that Link-Up (NSW) is the primary provider of family reunification services for Aboriginal people in NSW. In the Premier’s formal apology on 18 June 1997, he thanked Link-Up for its tireless work over many years in helping with the reunification of Aboriginal families. In New South Wales, Link-Up provides support for clients in regional centres with assistance from mental health workers from NSW Area Health Services. The mental health workers complement the work of Link-Up by providing emotional support to the client after the visit from the Link-Up worker. To assist this important work, in 1997-98 the Department of Community Services (DOCS) made a grant to Link-Up (NSW) of $100,000. A further $50,000 was allocated from NSW Health. These grants are additional to recurrent funding provided by DOCS. The Government has also established the Aboriginal Family Health Strategy, a $3.9 million program to improve family health services. Under this strategy, Aboriginal community organisations will receive funding and support for family health programs, including strategies to address violence and substance abuse. Issues relating to substance abuse will be addressed in the NSW Health Drug Strategy for 1999-2004. Specific Aboriginal initiatives in the Strategy will assist in a joint Commonwealth and State plan for Aboriginal people, which will recognise the impact of substance abuse, physical or sexual assault and other traumas on the well-being of Aboriginal people. These strategies are supported by programs such as Healing Time, a school drug education program. The program will target upper primary and junior secondary students. A Healing Time comic and resource kit for staff, parents and planning activities has been piloted in the Wellington and Walgett communities. Parenting Issues The HREOC Report emphasised that the effect of separations on Aboriginal families and communities was to erode family and community ties. Consequently, programs to support parents and families are essential. The NSW Government Families First program aims to strengthen and extend the parenting skills of parents in New South Wales who have a child under eight. The program will offer parents a variety of services centred around support for parents with newborn babies, linking new parent with experienced parents to provide practical help, specialists counselling and health services for families, and local development plans. The program is initially being implemented in the north coast and south western Sydney, with new and modified services to commence in 1999/2000. Funding of $1.1 million on 1998-99 will increase to $3.6 million in 1999/2000 with a further increase to $5 million annually. Families First has a strong emphasis on supporting Aboriginal families. The following programs and initiatives are being sponsored by Families First. Aboriginal Family Support Services Parenting skills and family well-being programs are provided by the Department of Community Services on a needs basis. In 1996/97 the Department’s Orana Far West Area conducted parenting skills programs in 16 small communities across the area. The Department has enhanced its funding to women’s safe houses in Orana Far West to provide support and care for Aboriginal women and children. Casino Intensive Family Based Service (IFBS) This program has been identifies as a model of best practice in the provision of services to Aboriginal families. The Service is modelling on the Native American Intensive Family Based Service in the United States and provided intensive home-based assistance to families over a two to three month period. Families are assisted where at least one child at risk of placement due to protective concerns, or at the time of the reunion of a child with their natural family. Schools as Community Centres Project From 1995 to 1998 this program operated in Curren (Macquarie Field), Redfern, Chertsy (Central Coast) and Coonamble Public Schools. An evaluation on 1997 found that the project had met its objectives in providing Aboriginal families with access to a range of support services. The program is expected to commence in Kempsey and Kelso in 1999: both regions have a high number of Aboriginal families. 3.3 LAND RIGHTS 3.3.1 Land Rights Legislation Evidence of Disadvantage Aboriginal people exclusively occupied the Australian continent for at least 40,000 years prior to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. From that date, Aboriginal people have been progressively dispossessed of their land. This fact was acknowledged by the High Court in the Mabo decision (Mabo and Others v The State of Queensland (No 2), (1992) 175 CLR 1) which overturned the doctrine of terra nullius or empty land and recognised the pre-existing native title rights of Indigenous Australians. Land rights legislation attempts to redress some of the disadvantage suffered by Aboriginal people as a result of the loss of the vast majority of their land. Government Policy The government respects Aboriginal people’s relationship with the land, the sea and the rivers acknowledging its spiritual, economic and cultural importance. The preamble to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) states that:
Aboriginal people can make land claims through two separate processes: under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 and under the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. The Native Title Act was enacted to deal with the native title rights and interests of Indigenous Australians as recognised by the common law in the Mabo decision. Claims can be made over any Crown land as long as there has been a continuous connection with the land according to Aboriginal traditional law and custom. The first native title determination under the Native Title Act was at Crescent Head in relation to the Dunghutti people. The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 provides a means for the Aboriginal people of New South Wales to become landowners without the need to prove traditional ownership of the land. Consequently, unlike the Federal native title legislation, the New South Wales Act provides that Aboriginal people may claim land rights in relation to Crown land, without the need to prove a continuous connection with the land. The Act gives freehold title over available Crown land and former reserves to Aboriginal Land Councils. Recent amendments to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 provide a mechanism for lands that are needed for essential public purposes to be acquired in certain circumstances. Up until 28 February 1999, there had been 6231 land claims lodged since the commencement of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act. Of these, 1721 claims have been partially of wholly granted in relation to 61,261 hectares of Crown land valued at $342,844,600. Responsibility New South Wales has 119 Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs). The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) comprises 13 regionally elected LALC representatives. The Office of the Registrar, Aboriginal Land Rights Act, has a registry which accepts and registers land claims and provides advice to land council members in relation to disputes and the interpretation of rules. The Department of Land and Water Conservation administers the claims provisions of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. The Heritage and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs has an obligation to monitor the operations of land councils. 3.3.2 Main Government Programs and their Outcomes Funding for Land Councils The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 provided that an amount equivalent to 7.5% of land tax revenue would be allocated to the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council. Half of these funds were to be dedicated to the costs of Land Council administration, land acquisition, training, education, and the maintenance of Land Council property; while the other half was to be invested in a statutory fund. As the relevant provision in the legislation had a sunset clause, allocation of land tax funds ceased from 31 December 1998. The operation of Land Councils is now sustained from the interest that accrues to the statutory fund. As at 31 December 1998, the statutory fund was worth $492,505,602. ICAC Investigation In April 1998 the Commission released volume one of a two volume Report on Investigation into Aboriginal Land Councils in NSW; Corruption Prevention and Research Volume. The primary focus of this report was on twenty-six recommendations divided into four groups of outcomes which it considers are necessary to prevent and counter corrupt conduct in Aboriginal Land Councils. These outcomes are: Increased accountability through:
Ongoing strengthening of the Aboriginal land council system through:
The second section of the report deals with the evaluation module of the enquiry. The evaluation had four aims:
Commencing immediately after the launch of this report, the ICAC conducted extensive community briefings, visiting 27 communities around New South Wales. This process was managed by an Indigenous person specifically recruited as the project leader. However, throughout the enquiry the Commission has utilised Indigenous people’s expertise, knowledge and networks to ensure a culturally sensitive and appropriate approach to dealing with Indigenous people and issues. The Commission has approved a comprehensive implementation project plan outlining the objectives and resources required to fulfil commitments of finalising the enquiry. A relationship and dialogue has been established with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, the Office of the Registrar of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC). This allows for open and frank discussions of land council issues and the development of strategies to implement the ICAC recommendations. 3.3.3 National Parks Main Government Programs and their Outcomes The National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Aboriginal Ownership) Act 1996, which commenced in 1997, protects the rights and interests of the Aboriginal people who have cultural, historical and traditional association with National Parks and other land. The legislation enables selected National Parks to be handed back to their Aboriginal owners, subject to leaseback arrangements with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Under the Act, five National Park areas were listed for Aboriginal ownership and subsequent joint management with the Service. In one case negotiations have been completed and Mootwingee National Park has been transferred to the Mutawintji Aboriginal Land Council. These negotiations will provide a model for negotiations in relation to the transfer of other nominated parks and reserves to Aboriginal ownership. In order to protect any Native Title rights and interests that may exist on newly-created National Park estate, the NSW Government will negotiate Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) with the traditional Aboriginal owners through the Native Title Unit of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. A framework agreement, which was signed by the NSW Government and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council on 10 March 1999, will form the basis for negotiations. 3.3.4 Fishing Rights Indigenous Fisheries Strategy NSW Fisheries is implementing the Indigenous Fisheries Strategy which aims to:
This Strategy is being implemented through the conduct of statewide workshops with Aboriginal people. In 1998, two phases of the workshops were conducted with groups in Brewarrina, Moree, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Sydney, Narooma and Menindee. Additional workshops are scheduled for Wreck Bay, Nowra, Eden, Inverell and Moama in early 1999. The time frame for this initiative is 1998 to 2000. NSW Fisheries is also exploring the feasibility and Indigenous interest in the creation of “reserve” areas for Aboriginal fishing and management purposes. This initiative is being implemented through consultation with identified Aboriginal communities. It is expected that pilot areas will be developed in the first instance. The outcomes of this initiative include:
Publications produced by NSW Fisheries which would be of interest to Indigenous people include:
Pilot Study of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Intellectual Property This initiative is being implemented through funding secured through the Natural Heritage Trust. The program will be conducted by an employed researcher. Aboriginal persons will be encouraged to apply. The outcomes of the initiative include:
This initiative must be conducted and completed in 1999. Exemption from Freshwater Fishing Licence NSW Fisheries has developed an Aboriginal exemption from the freshwater fishing licence and consulted with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs on the appropriate implementation of this program. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs is assisting in the monitoring of the exemption. The outcomes or targets of the initiative include:
3.3.5 Forests The Resource and Conservation Division of the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning manages the Comprehensive Regional Assessment (CRA) process. CRA involves State and Commonwealth Governments co-operating:
Forestry Agreements aim to provide a blueprint for the future management of forests that include:
Assessments of forest values and uses have been completed in four New South Wales regions: Eden, Upper North-East (UNE), Lower North-East (LNE) and Southern. The completed Forest Agreements for the Eden, UNE and LNE regions, which were released on 5 March 1999, have reserved additional forest as National Park (37,000 hectares in Eden; 136,572 hectares in UNE; and 245,628 hectares in LNE). The outcomes of these Forestry Agreements, and the mechanisms for implementing them have been encapsulated in the Forestry and National Parks Estate Act 1998. 3.4 CULTURAL HERITAGE, THE ARTS, SPORT AND RECREATION 3.4.1 Cultural Heritage Evidence of Disadvantage Since colonisation in 1788, there has been a gradual disappearance of traditional Aboriginal culture and societies. The Australian Law Reform Commission took the view in their 1986 report The Recognition of Aboriginal Customary Law, that this disappearance has been stemmed to some extent by several factors including the eventual abandonment of the policy of assimilation and the concern of some States to protect Aboriginal sites of significance. Despite these policy changes the loss of cultural identity among Aboriginal people has been considerable. Across a number of portfolios, the NSW Government is working in partnership with Aboriginal people to preserve and promote Aboriginal identity, heritage and culture. Government Policy The Government’s Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People, at page 34, sets out government policy in this area:
Responsibility The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is the agency with primary responsibility for the protection and conservation of the States Aboriginal heritage. At present the Director-General of the NPWS has the legal responsibility for the protection of Aboriginal "relics” (sites) and declared Aboriginal Places under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. The Director-General can transfer ownership of relics to Aboriginal Owners, or vest the care, control and management of relics with approved organisations (such as Land Councils) for safekeeping. The Service has recommended to government that those functions and responsibilities be transferred from the NPWS to an independent Aboriginal controlled agency under separate legislation. The Heritage Act 1977 can be used to protect all aspects of environmental heritage including Aboriginal heritage. The form of protection is by way of an order over a heritage item, after which any work or alteration requires the approval of the Heritage Council. The Heritage Council has established an Aboriginal Heritage Committee to establish priorities for the management of Aboriginal heritage. The Committee is examining the role of the Council in relation to the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage. The Committee consults with Aboriginal communities and advises the Heritage Council on policy issues. 3.4.2 Main Government Programs and their Outcomes Olympic Co-ordination Authority (OCA) The OCA must develop sites in accordance with legal requirements including the terms of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 s 90 which prevents the destruction of Aboriginal relics and places. In line with the government’s commitment to promoting and protecting Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, the Olympic Co-ordination Authority has conducted a survey of Aboriginal sites on all Olympic building sites. The relevant Local Aboriginal Land Council Sites Officers were involved in every aspect of these site surveys. The purpose of the surveys was to identify sites and develop a strategy with the relevant Local Aboriginal Land Councils regarding the protection and management of Aboriginal sites on Olympic venues. Some Aboriginal relics have been found on Olympic development sites. These sites are being managed in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 in consultation with the relevant Local Aboriginal Land Council. Some relics have been handed over to the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council which applied for a permit for the care and control of cultural items. The items are currently being used for community education. The OCA also commissioned the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to produce a research report on the Aboriginal history of the Homebush Bay area. This report was launched on 14 December 1998. Homebush Bay was a meeting place for the inland (Darug) and the coastal (Eora/Dharawal) peoples. It is now seen to belong to all Aboriginal people in Sydney, not just to one group. The Heritage Office The Heritage Office supports the protection and preservation of Aboriginal heritage and culture with both the Heritage Assistance Program and the Heritage 2001 program grants. Aboriginal communities are encouraged to apply for heritage assistance by way of direct mail to all 119 Local Aboriginal Land Councils and 200 other Aboriginal organisations around New South Wales. Advertisements are also placed in standard newspapers, local newspapers and the Koori Mail. Organisations are encouraged to contact the Aboriginal heritage officer who assists with applications either on the phone or by visiting community projects. In the 1998-99 financial year 20 projects were funded totalling $219 5 18. The projects were broadly based in the following areas:
All projects must have the support of local Aboriginal community before they are considered for funding. To date 173 Aboriginal projects have been funded since the program began. This has totalled $2 165 559 in funds. 3.4.3 The Arts Government Policy The Government’s Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People briefly sets out its policy in relation to the work of Aboriginal artists at p 36:
Responsibility The Indigenous Arts Reference Group was established in 1996 to promote effective relations between non-Aboriginal artists, Aboriginal artists and the government. Government agencies which have nurtured Aboriginal art in recent times include: NSW Ministry for the Arts, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Australian Museum, the Historic Houses Trust, the Archives Authority, the New South Wales Film and Television Office, the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, the State Library and the Sydney Opera House. 3.4.4 Main Government Programs and their Outcomes Ministry for the Arts (see also Appendix A) Grants for Indigenous projects totaled almost $850,000 for activities in 1998. The Ministry also distributes the Indigenous Arts Fund of $50,000 per year for one-off projects of no more than $50,000. These grants can be accessed quickly and easily. There is Aboriginal representation on the NSW Arts Advisory Council (AAC) and its various committees which assess applications for assistance to organisations under the Ministry for the Arts Cultural Grants Program. This facilitates representation of Indigenous culture, values, beliefs and needs. The Arts Advisory Council has also established an Indigenous Arts Reference Group comprising the Indigenous representatives on each of the AAC’s assessment committees to provide additional advice to the AAC on matters of interest to Indigenous communities. The Indigenous Arts Reference Group has developed the Indigenous Arts Protocol: A Guide which includes principles and guidelines for arts workers and organisations to nurture Indigenous cultural expression in New South Wales. A biennial Indigenous History Fellowship has been established, with a value of $20,000. The inaugural winner was announced in 1998. A Regional Indigenous Cultural Officer position has been funded, based at the NSW Community Arts Association, ($50,000 a year for three years) to assist regional communities and arts workers. Art Gallery of NSW The Art Gallery held major exhibitions of Indigenous art works during 1998. The Gallery’s expanding exhibition and public programs were implemented through consultation and research with Indigenous communities in relation to the choice, design and delivery of programs that would have relevance to Indigenous audiences. This includes Indigenous artists providing live performances and story-telling. The Gallery’s Education Program has continued to develop links with Indigenous community groups and Indigenous education institutions and develop courses in Aboriginal Studies and Aboriginal units and art courses at tertiary level. The Gallery has provided comprehensive education kits and other resources that fully and clearly explain to Indigenous groups the nature of the exhibitions. These resources are integral to the training of community groups in their understanding of the Gallery’s programs. For further detail, please refer to the Portfolio tables of Indigenous Programs, Services and Initiatives in the Appendices. Australian Museum The Museum has implemented a diverse exhibition and public program based on appropriate Indigenous community consultation. The Museum’s major touring exhibitions and displays relating to Indigenous culture were researched and designed through community and organisation consultation. The Museum is also working with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and NSW Aboriginal Land Council to repatriate significant artifacts and human remains to Aboriginal communities. The Museum’s Aboriginal Outreach Program provides training, support and advice on the establishment and maintenance of cultural centres to Aboriginal community groups in New South Wales. The Museum has produced several publications as educational resources. Aboriginal artifacts are loaned by the Museum to various Aboriginal communities. The Museum also offers the Museum-in-a-Box program which tours materials relating to Aboriginal studies to school students in the State. The permanent Indigenous Australians Gallery at the Museum’s College Street site provides a space where Indigenous community groups can become involved with Museum programs and present changing displays. In addition, the Museum has initiated a Community Access Program in partnership with Indigenous groups and community groups with Indigenous peoples. For further detail, please refer to the Portfolio tables of Indigenous Programs, Services and Initiatives in the Appendices. Historic Houses Trust of NSW Several major exhibitions and sculptural installations have been researched and designed in consultation and collaboration with various organisations including ATSIC and community artists. Examples include the Sorry Day display at Government House and subsequently at the Museum of Sydney, and a touring exhibition entitled Unhinged! The Yuendumu Doors. Forums invited speakers from Indigenous organisations to share their perspectives on the relevant program. The Trust provides an extensive education and public programs series. The Bush Lives, Bush Futures forum was conducted and links were established with the Sydney Community drawing group. Other educational initiatives included an Aboriginal Studies Project display at the Museum of Sydney and training for Aboriginal staff to deliver focus tours with an Aboriginal perspective. Several publications and exhibition catalogues have been produced for use in the training and explanation of concepts and history of the Trust programs. The exhibition Flag at the Museum of Sydney was opened by Aboriginal community leaders. This provided opportunity for Indigenous people to evaluate and interpret present Indigenous issues and perspectives. For further detail, please refer to the Portfolio tables of Indigenous Programs, Services and Initiatives in the Appendices. NSW Film and Television Office (FTO) The FTO has allocated $10,000 in establishment costs to the Metro Television Indigenous Producer Mentorship Scheme. The FTO also provided funding to assist the development of Indigenous drama scripts and productions. These projects involved the collaboration and contribution of Indigenous organisations and community groups and/or artists in the design and delivery of these initiatives to a wide audience. The National Indigenous Feature Writing Program is a nationwide initiative provided by the FTO to assist talented Indigenous writers to develop and enhance their writing skills. For further detail, please refer to the Portfolio tables of Indigenous Programs, Services and Initiatives in the Appendices. Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences The Museum’s Curator of Koori History and Culture liaises with Indigenous peoples and advises on issues relating to the collection of Koori material. This results in an extensive program of exhibitions, including exhibitions about Indigenous Australian dance and music and Aboriginal batik work. The Museum has established two separate committees to advise on the design and development of public programs. The Museum provides special tours for ATSI students from Indigenous schools. The Museum’s Aboriginal Education Officer will present a mobile Soundhouse workshop at the Annual General Meeting of the Government’s Aboriginal Consultative Group, and will offer this for use by Aboriginal students. The Museum also provided an extensive program of lectures on Koori history. Many Aboriginal groups who visit the Museum are guided through the Indigenous exhibitions by the Indigenous staff members. The Museum’s range of public programs provided opportunity for Aboriginal Elders to participate in events including the Reconciliation Open Day. Music, film and an open forum were also part of the program. For further detail, please refer to the Portfolio tables of Indigenous Programs, Services and Initiatives in the Appendices. State Library of NSW The State Library provides Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with access to Aboriginal family and local history resources. A specific example is INFOKOORI, which is an index of information on the Internet. The Library has been developing an oral history strategy in collaboration with Link-Up NSW, to record the stories of stolen children. The Indigenous Services Librarians are active in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library and Information Resource Network (ATSILIRN). The State Library is represented on the NSW Government Taskforce established to draw up common access guidelines to State Government Records relating to Aboriginal people. The Taskforce is convened by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs with representation from key government and non-government organisations. Indigenous staff present talks and conference papers, and arrange community history seminars and cross-cultural training seminars for staff in public libraries across the state. The Library hosted a forum for prominent writers to discuss their work in relation to Indigenous issues. Indigenous communities and organisations were consulted and involved in these events. The Legal Information Access Centre has also prepared plain language information packages on specific legal topics, in particular native title. The Library also held a major travelling exhibition, Yarrabah: the People of the Early Years. For further detail, please refer to the Portfolio tables of Indigenous Programs, Services and Initiatives in the Appendices. State Records NSW State Records is undertaking The Microfilming Preservation Project which aims to preserve the correspondence files of the former Aborigines Welfare Board on microfilm. The microfilm is a significant resource for Aboriginal researchers. State Records has also published a Guide to State Archives relating to Aboriginal people, which provides clear advice and assistance in relation to the key record series in the custody of State Records. State Records provides free talks to Aboriginal groups. During 1998 staff participated in workshops on Aboriginal family history co-ordinated by the Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Studies. State Records is represented on a number of committees including:
State Records also provided an information and awareness stall at the La Perouse Reunion Day which was co-ordinated by Link-Up NSW. For further detail, please refer to the Portfolio tables of Indigenous Programs, Services and Initiatives in the Appendices. Sydney Opera House A diverse range of programming initiatives have been developed for 1998-99 in consultation with several organisations. A number of Indigenous artists are included in the program content. On permanent display in the Northern Foyer of the Opera House is a large Indigenous painting on canvas, Possum Dreaming by artist Michael Nelson. The building was the venue for public programs that included Indigenous performances around the Opera House building. The Opera House will conduct a two-day forum on Indigenous training and employment to increase access for Indigenous people in the entertainment industry. 3.4.5 Sport and Recreation Government Policy The government recognises that sport and recreation programs have the potential to increase self-esteem, reduce anti-social behaviour, improve health and fitness and decrease criminal behaviour. Programs must be provided in a supportive environment which encourages Aboriginal participation in sport. Access to sporting facilities in rural and remote communities is particularly important. Main Government Programs and their Outcomes The Department of Sport and Recreation has targeted participation in sport by Aboriginal people since 1987. This function is currently referred to as Indigenous Sport and forms part of the Community Development Unit. The Indigenous Sport Unit also investigates alternative funding from both internal and external sources to maximise outcomes in the area of Indigenous sport and recreation. The Department is funded by the Australian Sports Commission to conduct the Young Persons Sport and Recreation Development Program by employing Aboriginal Sports Development Officers in areas where there is a large Indigenous population. The role of Aboriginal Sports Development Officers is to provide a responsive service to meet the sport and recreation needs of the Koori community. In addition to that program the Department has developed a number of other initiatives such as the Indigenous Sport Development Program and the Youth in Sport program to further improve access. The Department of Sport and Recreation also recognises that many Indigenous people live in rural and remote areas. To reduce the impact of isolation on participation in sport, the Department established the Far West Academy of Sport in Cobar in October 1997. The aim of the Academy is to develop talented athletes and coaches in the Aboriginal community. The sports are netball, rugby league, soccer, basketball, softball and tennis. The Far West Academy of Sport covers 12 local government areas in the Western Division of Shires. There are currently 83 scholarship holders, 23 of whom are Indigenous. There are also four Indigenous coaches attached to the Academy. The Department has implemented programs originating from the State Government’s Sub Committee Promoting Opportunity Recreation and Talent (SPORT). One aim of these programs is to reduce the incidence of young people coming into contact with the juvenile justice system. The program targets participants in the 8 to 17 years age group. The Department has allocated funds to Indigenous communities across the State. To date $34,000 has been approved for use in Indigenous communities. The Aboriginal Sports Development Program provides funding directly to Aboriginal organisations to conduct sport and recreation programs within their communities. The Program is designed to assist Aboriginal organisations to develop sport at all levels in the Aboriginal community of New South Wales. Another major objective is to provide infra-structure training for people involved in the administration of sporting events. The program also encourages the acquisition of coaching and associated sports medicine qualifications by those involved in the direct supervision of Indigenous sports teams and events. The proposed timetable for the Indigenous Sport Development Program is that it will be advertised in May 1999. There is $100,000 which is available to support Indigenous sports organisations. This funding was previously available and expended on a range of ad hoc projects. When the current program of funding for organisations is fully implemented, the Department is expecting to have in place a system which is based on performance, need and accountability. The guidelines for the Indigenous Sports Development Program were developed by Indigenous staff in consultation with Indigenous organisations and individuals. All grants approved to Aboriginal community organisations require an acquittal of funds on completion of the project. The acquittals are simple in structure and will be an integral component of co-operative agreements with Aboriginal organisations. By introducing co-operative agreements with organisations which link funding to specific participation objectives, the Department has developed the capacity to evaluate programs by assessment of outputs and outcomes associated with the participation rates of Indigenous clients. 3.5 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 3.5.1 Supporting Children and Families Evidence of Disadvantage For the 1997-98 year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children formed a slightly increasing proportion of the total number of children in care (22%). However, Aboriginal children are increasingly receiving care which supports the child and/or family through crisis (61.3% in 1997-98) rather than care which supports the child to live away from the family for extended periods (38.7% in 1997-98). The rate at which Aboriginal children, once in care, are placed with Aboriginal carers is increasing slightly (92.0% as at 30 June 1997). There are a number of characteristics which make it likely that Aboriginal people will be greater users of government social and community services than the general population. These include lower income levels, higher levels of unemployment and greater imprisonment rates. There is also a high rate of sole parent families in the Aboriginal community. In 1994, the percentage of families which were sole-parent families and headed by a woman was 23% for Aboriginal families and 7% for the general population. Aboriginal people are over-represented as users of disability services. Although they make up 1.6% of the total population of New South Wales, 2.4% of people in the Disability Services Program are Aboriginal, 14% of the clients of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program are Aboriginal and 3.5% of the Home and Community Care Program’s budget is devoted to Aboriginal people. Government Policy The Government’s Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People (November 1997) states at p 14, that:
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child and Young Person Placement Principles which is contained within the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Bill 1998 (yet to be proclaimed) provides a clear directive for the Department of Community Services in relation to the placement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in need of care and protection so as to avoid their separation from community and kinship links. The Bill also provides a clear directive for the Department to encourage and support the participation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in decision making and in the implementation of programs that promote self-determination. The Department has drafted a document entitled the Aboriginal Policy Directions – The Right To Better Services. This document sets a vision for DOCS in respect of improving services to Aboriginal families and communities. The Policy is based on the principles of equity, access and participation as outlined in the DOCS commissioned report “Learning from the Past”. It also reflects the principles of Aboriginal self-determination and participation in decision-making outlined in sections 11 and 12 of the Children and Young People (Care and Protection) Act 1998. The Aboriginal Policy Directions document will be implemented across the State in September 1999. In July 1997, the Ageing and Disability Department (ADD) launched the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access and Equity Strategy. The Strategy recognises the need for ageing and disability policies and programs to acknowledge the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to ensure that programs are culturally appropriate, effective, efficient and accountable. Responsibility The Department of Community Services is the government agency responsible for supporting children and families. The Ageing and Disability Department is responsible for the overall policy co-ordination of aged and disability services. Major Government Programs and their Outcomes Integrated Community Services Planning. In 1997, the Department introduced the Integrated Community Services Planning approach to the communities within its Areas. The Planning Framework requires each of the Department’s 16 Area Offices to develop a Social Justice Action Plan to ensure access and equity in community service provision. This is a participative planning process which has the capacity to change the way services are designed and delivered to communities. Hallmarks of this process are: taking the problem solving approach to issues; engaging other government agencies and communities in the development of solutions; and integrating the response across the Department’s programs. Some examples of strategies identified through the Integrated Community Services Planning include:
Gullama Aboriginal Services Centre, located at Redfern, is a specific Aboriginal unit of the Department of Community Services. Gullama is responsible for providing integrated services to Indigenous people in the Eastern Sydney Area, particularly in relation to the care and protection of children. Child protection The Department of Community Services is committed to supporting families to maintain Aboriginal children and young people in their homes, removing them only as a last resort. Any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child or young person who requires an “out of home” placement must be placed in accordance with the Aboriginal Child and Young person Placement Principle. This principle is enshrined in the Children (Care and Protection) Act 1987. This Act will be replaced by the Children and Young Person (Care and Protection) Act 1998, probably commencing in the Year 2000. The Department of Community Service’s policies direct that staff must consider kinship placements as the preferred option when placing Aboriginal children and young persons in “out of home” care. Special attention is given to the maintenance of kinship, identity, and cultural links. The Children and Young Person (Care and Protection) Act 1998 stipulates that Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islanders should participate in the care and protection of their children and young persons through being actively involved in the decision-making processes affecting them, and through the promotion of self-determination. The Aboriginal Child and Young Person Placement Principles apply in all placements and include:
Exceptions to the Aboriginal Child and Young Person Placement Principles are where the child or young person is considered to be at serious risk of immediate harm, or where the placement is for less than 2 weeks. “Out of home” placements are normally made with the consent of the child or young person’s parent but can also be made without the parents consent where they can not be located. The wishes of the child are also to be taken into consideration. Response to the Stolen Generation Inquiry. On 18 June 1997, the Premier called upon all Australian Governments to respond with compassion, understanding and justice to the Report of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission entitled “Bringing Them Home”. In his speech, the Premier outlined a number of government strategies designed to further the process of reconciliation in this State. He announced that the government:
The Department of Community Services has launched a project entitled, Connecting Kin to help people who have been separated from their family members by substitute care arrangements to locate records about their separation and their families. A Guide to Records will be produced during 1998 which will list all known records in New South Wales relevant to separation. The Connecting Kin Project is an important step towards assisting Aboriginal people regain part or all of their lost personal and cultural identities which is fundamental to healing the effects of separation. On 22 May 1998, on behalf of the Police Service, the Commissioner offered his apology to members of the Stolen Generation at Parliament House, for the prominent role that police played in enforcing past unjust laws. The Police Service also participated in eight Stolen Generation Workshops (seven rural and one metropolitan). These Workshops were organised by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and were held to allow consultation with Aboriginal communities on the recommendations of the “Bringing Them Home Report” and for government departments to provide feedback to those communities. Recommendations relating to police were positively received with community members supporting the establishment of Police Aboriginal Support Groups and cross-cultural awareness programs to increase police and Aboriginal people working together to further improve police Aboriginal relationships. Aboriginal Specific Programs. The Department of Community Services is implementing or funding a number of other initiatives, which are consistent with its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander principles, designed to protect children from abuse and neglect, and to provide care and support for families and individuals in need. The types of services provided include:
The “Shared Vision” Project seeks to develop and deliver services appropriate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through negotiation and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Far North Coast Area. This project is supported by Southern Cross University and the Regional Co-ordination Project. The Casino Intensive Family Based Services Pilot is now being given recurrent funding of $250,000. This service provides intensive, time limited (2-3 months), in home supportive and therapeutic assistance to families in which at least one child is at risk of imminent placement because of protective concerns, or where the child has been reunited with their natural family. This project was piloted over two years in Casino and was regarded as very successful. The Family Conferencing Model operating at Bourke Community Services Centre provides an alternative to the formal removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This model involves the Department facilitating a meeting of the child’s immediate and extended family to discuss and agree on an appropriate placement for the child within the natural family. Action is then initiated in the Family Court by the family to formalise custody and access arrangements where appropriate. The child and carer receive ongoing support from the Department and other relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services within the local community. The Department of Community Services is piloting camps for rural and remote young people, particularly in the Orana Far West area of New South Wales. The Motivation, Education, Recreation, Cultural and Youth (MERCY) Camps are designed and delivered by Aboriginal people, and are aimed at addressing social problems that perpetuate low school retention rates and criminal behaviour. The project is an attempt to foster and encourage reconciliation, and provide the means for Aboriginal young people to regain their self-esteem and cultural pride. Ageing and Disability Department. The Department has considered the recommendations made in the Family Dreaming report and, in response, allocated funding for a flexible family support program. Program development began in 1998 and targets ATSI children aged 0-18 years with disabilities and their families who are having difficulty coping and are in need of support. The service will be located in the Nepean area. The aim of the service is to ensure that ATSI children with disabilities remain living with their families and in their community and culture by providing high quality support and assistance individually tailored to their needs. The service will become fully operational in 1999. Funding was provided to the NSW Committee on Ageing who are working with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs to promote International Year of Older People (IYOP) initiatives within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The intended outcomes of the initiative are to encourage programming of issues among Indigenous media, creative and visual arts, educational centres, health services and government agencies. The identified issues are Aboriginal Elders as custodians of cultural heritage, recognising the wisdom of Elders within their communities, encouraging younger people to learn from Elders and become leaders in their communities, and caring for and respecting Elders and other seniors. In addition, the project aims to showcase and develop Indigenous products and activities which could be used during the International Year of Older People for mainstream and specific Indigenous events. The Department provided funding and representation in the 1998 NSW Rugby League Knockout Carnival. The Department funds the Home and Community Care Program (HACC) The program provided funding to 46 Aboriginal specific community organisations and to the Home Care Service of NSW to provide specific services to 1,600 Aboriginal people per month. There was a significant boost to Aboriginal HACC service infrastructure, with $1.55 million allocated to Aboriginal projects identified through local area planning processes. The services funded included a Community Options project, Aboriginal Development Workers, nursing services and transport. The Department provided $50,000 in one off funds to help the Home Care Service of NSW implement an Aboriginal Services Plan. The Plan gives greater autonomy to Aboriginal service management and delivery within the Home Care Service. A report on future options for the management of services to Aboriginal people under the HACC program was produced in November 1997 and submitted to the Minister for consideration. The recommendations of the report, along with the findings of the “Proper Care for Our People” report, were taken into account during 1998 in an issues paper which will result in a final Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HACC Policy in 1999. The publication “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access and Equity Policy” was launched in July 1997 and forms the basis for Departmental strategies to address access and equity issues in the provision of services. The publication includes a business plan identifying outcomes, responsibilities and time frames which are being progressively completed. The delivery of these strategies will be supported with the temporary employment in 1999 of an Aboriginal Policy Officer. The Department provided membership to the NSW Dementia Action Plan Aboriginal Working Party which provided recommendations on further training on dementia in Aboriginal communities across health and community care sectors. NSW Health The Department of Health’s Aboriginal Family Health Strategy provides an holistic and culturally appropriate approach to reducing the occurrence of family violence, sexual assault and child abuse within Aboriginal communities. $1.2 million has been annually allocated for the implementation of the Strategy. 3.5.2 Addressing Violence Against Women Evidence of Disadvantage One of the findings of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey 1994 was that 48% of Aboriginal women in Australia perceived family violence to be a common problem in their area. A 1996 study showed that Indigenous people of all ages had a much higher rate of hospitalisation for injury from interpersonal violence than the non-Indigenous population. Government Policy In July 1996 the Premier announced the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women. The NSW Council on Violence Against Women was established to advise government on issues related to all forms of violence against women and strategies to reduce it. The Strategy also established the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit in the Attorney General’s Department and a Statewide network of seventeen Regional Violence Prevention Specialists. The Regional Specialist will facilitate local and regional co-ordination of violence-related and other services, and convey information about local impacts of policy and service provision to the NSW Council on Violence Against Women. The NSW Government has recently committed to providing $1.2 million in 1998-99 for a Family Health Strategy. The Strategy is to address family violence and sexual assault issues. Responsibility Government agencies responsible for addressing issues relating to violence against Aboriginal women include the Police Service, the Attorney General’s Department, NSW Health, the Department of Housing and the Department for Women. Main Government Programs and their Outcomes Violence Against Women Unit. This Unit, located in the Attorney General’s Department implements the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women by:
Aboriginal women, among a range of other groups, are targeted within the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women. Seventeen Regional Violence Prevention Specialists are employed by the NSW Attorney General’s Department and located throughout New South Wales. The role of the Regional Violence Prevention Specialists is to:
The Regional Violence Prevention Specialists are implementing projects within their region in consultation with local individuals, groups and agencies. Each Regional Violence Prevention Specialist has consulted with Aboriginal communities in the development and implementation of their Regional Action Plan. Each Regional Reference Group includes at least one member of a local Aboriginal community. The NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women is currently being evaluated. This evaluation is designed to:
In conducting the evaluation the consultants will collect data from a range of sources, including interviews with Regional Reference Group members and other stakeholders, including Aboriginal communities and/or community based organisations. Projects detailed in the 17 Regional Action Plans will be finalised in June 1999. Some projects have been completed, and others are partially completed, and this is indicated in the table at Appendix C. 3.6 HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 3.6.1 Housing Evidence of Disadvantage At the time of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 1994, 69% of private Indigenous households were renting compared with 27% of non-Indigenous households. The home ownership rate for Indigenous households was 25% compared with 71% for non-Indigenous households. In a 1994 report entitled The Housing Needs of Indigenous Australians commissioned by ATSIC, Dr Roger Jones analysed Census data to provide an estimate of Aboriginal housing needs in New South Wales. He concluded that an additional 4,769 bedrooms were needed in 1991 to provide adequate housing, representing a shortfall of 12.4% of bedrooms. Comparatively, the non-Aboriginal population has a bedroom shortfall of 4.2%. Between 1986 and 1991 there was no overall reduction in the backlog of the housing needs of Indigenous Australians, suggesting that the housing provision for Indigenous people has just kept pace with population growth and family formation. (Jones R, The Housing Need of Indigenous Australians, 1991, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU, p 164.) In 1995 a national survey identified 17% of Australian households as either having unaffordable housing or living in overcrowded housing, or both. Thirty eight per cent of Indigenous households were estimated as being in that category. In November 1994 14% of people using the Supported Assistance Accommodation Program were Indigenous. Government Policy In its Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People, the government recognised the poor housing conditions experienced by many Aboriginal families which contributes to problems of poor health, overcrowding and domestic violence. The government is seeking to address the backlog of housing needs and improve links between housing and other services. In November 1997, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation hosted a workshop to discuss ways in which benchmarks could be used to ensure adequate standards of service delivery in areas such as health, housing, education, employment, infrastructure and community justice. In the report of the proceedings, entitled Towards a Benchmarking Framework for Service Delivery to Indigenous Australians it was recommended, in relation to the housing sector, that governments should set benchmarks by 2000 to address Indigenous housing and infrastructure needs. Responsibility Legislation passed on 18 June 1998 has changed the agencies responsible for Aboriginal housing. Until July 1998, the Aboriginal housing program was implemented by the Division of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing, Department of Urban Affairs and Planning. The Aboriginal Housing Act 1998 created a new statutory authority called the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO). The AHO is responsible for:
As from 1 January 1999 the responsibility for all public housing specifically for Aboriginal people will be transferred from the Department of Housing to the new Aboriginal Housing Office. This will involve the transfer of a total of around 3,800 properties purchased under the Housing for Aborigines program (HFA). An initial transfer of 2,856 properties has been effected and the remaining properties will be transferred as issues about title are resolved. The Department of Housing continues to provide tenancy and property management for these dwellings on a fee for service basis. The Department of Housing will continue to have responsibility for Aboriginal people in mainstream housing. The AHO provides a single structure for the pooling of Commonwealth, State and ATSIC funds for Aboriginal housing. This will eliminate duplication and overlap in programs and administration. An agreement between the State and Commonwealth governments and ATSIC to pool funds for three years has already been negotiated. The AHO’s aim is to develop a more consistent and appropriate approach to the management of housing within the Aboriginal housing sector and improve housing outcomes for Aboriginal tenants. A Board made up of members of the Aboriginal community, and accountable to the Minister for Housing, provides strategic and policy direction for the AHO. The new Board has replaced the former Aboriginal Housing Development Committee, and provides increased opportunities for Aboriginal people to be involved in developing and determining Aboriginal housing policy and program priorities. Indigenous Regional Housing Forums were established in 1996 to improve the process for community participation and assist in the identification of housing need at a regional level. A review of the regional consultative structure was undertaken in 1997-98 which resulted in the forums being reformed along ATSIC boundaries and renamed as Regional Aboriginal Housing Committees (RAHCs). The RAHCs are responsible for assessing regional needs, determining program priorities for the Aboriginal Housing Program and designing consultation strategies in co-operation with the Department of Housing and ATSIC Regional Councils. They also play an important role in providing feedback to the Aboriginal Housing Office and the AHO Board on policy and other issues. The RAHCs had the major role in assessing and recommending the 1998/1999 Aboriginal Housing Program. Main Government Programs and their Outcomes Programs The 1998/99-2000/01 NSW Aboriginal Housing Strategic Plan provides the framework for the provision of housing under the NSW Aboriginal Housing Program. The program has a number of sub program areas including:
A bilateral agreement that provides the framework for partnership in the planning, delivery and management of housing and related programs has been signed between the NSW Government, Commonwealth Government and ATSIC. The Agreement also provides for pooling of Aboriginal housing funds into one body – the Aboriginal Housing Office. There will be a staged transfer of funds to the AHO, which is now responsible for delivery of the CHIP program. Funding In the 1997-98 financial year the budget allocation to the NSW Aboriginal Housing Program was $28.51m, which comprised $17.78m tied funds from the Aboriginal Rental Housing Program component under the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement (CSHA), a further $10.41m in untied CSHA funds, and $0.32m from asset sales. In 1998-99 the budget was increased to $35.12m including $11.928m from the CHIP. Funding for the Aboriginal housing program has moved away from a capital based approach to include non-capital works. Funds have been allocated to non-capital works in 1998/99-2000/01 plan to meet the training, administrative and management requirements of the housing organisations. In planning for the 1998/99-2000/01 Aboriginal Housing Program, the AHO has adopted a resource allocation method that will establish housing needs at a regional level. The resource allocation method is based on adequacy of housing in terms of bedroom needs, cost of construction and spot purchase of dwellings at the State and Regional level. Trends in 1996 census demographic data on Aboriginal communities have been incorporated in the resource allocation methodology. The Community Housing and Infrastructure Program (CHIP), to be managed by the AHO from 1998-99, is designed to provide funds for housing and infrastructure for Aboriginal communities. The infrastructure component provides capital funds for rural and remote communities where such services are not provided by mainstream providers. Some recurrent funds are also provided for maintenance and administration services. In 1998, 136 dwellings were added to the dwelling stock available to Aboriginal households in New South Wales. Of these, 21 dwellings were acquired under the Housing for Aborigines program and the remaining 115 dwellings were acquired and transferred to the Aboriginal housing organisations through the HACP. This was achieved through both spot purchase and construction of dwellings. Audit and asset management strategy The AHO has commenced the development of an asset management strategy for HFA dwellings to ensure both the long-term sustainability of the asset base and that stock configuration is responsive to the needs of the Aboriginal community. During 1997, the Department of Housing, in consultation with the former Division of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing and AHDC, audited the stock of dwellings (3,864) under the HFA program. The audit assessed the appropriateness of dwelling stock relative to current housing needs and provided information necessary to develop a strategy for maintenance and replacement of stock to bring it to an acceptable standard over the next three years. In 1997-98 $3.8m was spent on the HFA upgrading program and a further $5m is expected to be spent in 1998-99. The focus of the HFA upgrade program during 1998 had been on establishing the planning and organisational framework for implementation of the upgrade works. The NSW Government has made a commitment to eliminate all backlog upgrade, repair and maintenance at an estimated $47 million over 5 years from 1997-98. The audit and asset management strategy is a significant step in creating a strong asset base for the new Aboriginal Housing Office. The major beneficiaries are the tenants whose housing conditions will be improved. Providing culturally appropriate housing. Under the 1998-99 AHP, there will be continued emphasis on procurement by design and construction rather than spot purchase of dwellings. It is anticipated that 61 dwellings will commence construction in 1998-99 and that pre-construction development will be undertaken for a further 14 projects. This will provide for housing which is more culturally appropriate in terms of design and other requirements. It will also enable the establishment of links with Aboriginal employment schemes. The 1996-98 “Service Agreement” between the AHO and the Department of Housing, as the major provider/procurer of housing on behalf of the AHO, reinforces the involvement of Aboriginal communities, tenants and provider organisations in the various decision making processes associated with procurement of housing. A review of the 1996-98 Service Agreement was undertaken during 1998. The AHO is currently negotiating with the DOH and Residential Technologies Australia (RESITECH) on the final version of the service agreements. The AHO’s negotiating position has been informed by independent advice on best practice contracting arrangements. The current Service Agreement will continue to operate until such time as the new agreements are negotiated. Aboriginal participation in the delivery process continues to have a high priority. During 1998 the Aboriginal Housing Office has prepared a draft acceptable standards document which will provide:
The document will ensure that housing is appropriately designed and that Aboriginal communities and organisations are better equipped to negotiate with project managers and builders. It will also enable Aboriginal communities to better participate in the process of negotiation and decision making, through providing a useful information framework and resource. The draft document will be released for consultation in early 1999. The emphasis in the Aboriginal Housing Program has been on the provision of housing through a community-based program (HACP). Where organisations cannot demonstrate effective management then dwellings are to be acquired under the HFA program and a training and development strategy is implemented with the community based organisation. The aim is to meet the twin objectives of building a viable community based housing sector as well as enabling Aboriginal people to have greater choice of housing providers. The AHO has undertaken several initiatives to address the administrative and housing needs of the Aboriginal community in the 1998/99-2000/01 plan. These are discussed below. Training plan A key strategy of the AHO is to improve the viability of the Aboriginal Housing Sector. This will be linked to the implementation of the Training Plan that meets the management, administration and the training needs of Aboriginal housing organisations. During 1998 the AHO continued to fund the resource project that resulted in the “Housing Our Mob Everywhere (HOME)” training package. Modules of the training package will be piloted in early 1999. Information and policy framework Planning for the 1998-99 Aboriginal Housing Program is based on expressions of interest called for from Aboriginal Housing Organisations. This is a change from the submission-based approach to one based on needs. The housing organisations that have been funded under the HACP have provided information on management, properties, repairs and maintenance as well as identifying housing need and training requirements. The Registration of Aboriginal Housing Organisations under the Aboriginal Housing Act 1998 is another important project aimed at improving the capacity of Aboriginal housing organisations. Under the Act the AHO will establish a register of Aboriginal Housing Providers who are eligible to receive funding for Aboriginal housing. Currently all 47 organisations that have been approved for funding under HACP and CHIP for 1998-99 are being registered. The key factors that determine eligibility for registration are that the organisation is controlled by Aboriginal people, is incorporated and provides or proposes to provide housing for Aboriginal people. The register will include organisational details, information on housing related financial performance and information that relates to housing owned or managed by registered Aboriginal housing organisations. Housing organisations approved for funding under HACP have to enter into individual agreements with the AHO and provide reports relating to housing and financial management. The Deed of Agreement has been sent out to the organisations. The agreements will aim to ensure that housing services are of an appropriate standard, houses are sustainable and that organisations are accountable for the services they deliver. Through the Deed of Agreement the AHO aims to assist the community-based organisations in improving administration and management of housing. New South Wales has also taken an active role in the Commonwealth State Working Group on Indigenous Housing (CSWGIH). The Group reports to housing Ministers and develops strategies. The Group has undertaken a range of research initiatives. Some of these include:
The overall objective of these initiatives is to improve housing for tenants and address housing related health outcomes for Aboriginal communities. 3.6.2 Infrastructure NSW Aboriginal Housing Office In line with the guiding principles of self determination and self management by Aboriginal people and the need to provide for effective integration and co-ordination in the planning and management of services, several initiatives have been undertaken by the Aboriginal Housing Office for the 1998/99-2000/01 Aboriginal Housing Plan. Some of these include:
The AHO co-ordinated the implementation of 1996-98 Aboriginal Housing Plan with other infrastructure initiatives. The AHO worked with the forum on co-ordinating the delivery of the HACP program with the activities of all government agencies. The Muli Muli project has substantially progressed with four HACP houses under construction through an apprenticeship and training project. An additional three dwellings are proposed for funding under the 1999-2000 HACP. The project has resulted in improved infrastructure in the community, additional housing and the mitigation of various health and safety problems. The project has also positively influenced subsequent decisions on Aboriginal housing design in the region. The Department of Health has released the report on the “Housing for Health” (HealtHabitat) initiative which was conducted as part of the project. Aboriginal Community Development Program (ACDP) The Aboriginal Community Development Program (ACDP) under the auspices of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs is based on a holistic co-ordinated whole of government approach. It is a major new government housing and infrastructure initiative involving $200 million over seven years for construction and upgrading. The AHO will be working in close co-operation with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs on this program. The AHO also participated in the Murdi Paaki Regional Agreement between the NSW Government and the Murdi Paaki Regional Council (ATSIC) which established a pilot framework for co-ordinated delivery of housing and infrastructure programs in the region. The Aboriginal Housing Office and the Department of Housing are participating in the project through the funding and delivery of $1.5 million in housing construction in Goodooga, Coonamble, and Walgett which will commence in 1999. As a separate initiative the AHO is also piloting the application of HealtHabitat methodology at a regional level in Murdi Paaki. During 1998 this has involved extensive negotiations with HealtHabitat and the MPRC and the development of the agreement on the feasibility stage which will commence in January 1999. NSW Health Housing for Health. The “Housing for Health” pilot was based on HealtHabitat’s work in South Australia and Far North Queensland, and comprises 4 surveys over a 12 month period with a capital upgrade program between survey 1 and survey 2. The pilot was extended to the Dareton community. Consultation with the local communities was integral to the project and its evaluation. The project evaluation information will be used in the ACDP program. Outcomes included:
A regional Agreement has been finalised between the NSW Government and the Murdi Paaki Regional Council to co-ordinate planned action for housing and infrastructure provision in six Aboriginal Communities in western New South Wales. NSW Health has undertaken four further Housing for Health projects since the pilot. These projects are located at Mehi Crescent, Stanley Village, La Perouse and Bellbrook communities. All projects have reached completion of the first survey. An architect is currently specifying work for completion during the capital upgrade program. Training for Environmental Health Officers. NSW Health manages the only program to train Aboriginal people to become Environmental Health Officers (EHO). This program combines academic training through a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health) with professional development as a trainee in Public Health Units across the State. This program is into the third year, and has been expanded to include two other positions partly funded by Public Health Units. It is anticipated that additional part funded trainees will also be recruited for commencement in 1999. Department of Public Works and Services (DPWS) DPWS has also been engaged by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) as the Program Manager for the Aboriginal Communities Development Program. In this role, DPWS has been involved in assisting DAA in detailed consultation with Aboriginal communities across New South Wales. This role also involves providing assistance to DAA in the co-ordination and appropriate delivery of housing and environmental health infrastructure by state, federal and local government agencies. 3.7 HEALTH 3.7.1 Physical Health Evidence of Disadvantage In 1992-94 statistics in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory (the only statistics available) revealed that the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people ranged from 57-61 for males and 61-65 for females. These figures are about 15-20 years lower than the life expectancy for non-Indigenous Australians, and lower than those for most of the world, excluding Africa and India. Consumption of healthy food not only depends on personal choice, but also on the availability and affordability of healthy foods, refrigeration, clear water and functional cooking appliances. In the NATSIS 1994 Survey, 29% of Indigenous people aged 15 years or older said that they “worried” or “sometimes worried” about going without food. In a 1994 study in New South Wales it was found that 11.7% of babies of Indigenous mothers had a low birthweight compared to 5.7% of babies born to non-Indigenous mothers. The rate of perinatal mortality (including stillbirths and neonatal deaths) was higher for Indigenous mothers – 14.4 per 1,000 births compared to 8.8 for non-Indigenous mothers. Aboriginal people suffer from high rates of diabetes, circulatory diseases, ear diseases, eye diseases, cancer and physical injuries. For example, Aboriginal children are many times more likely to suffer hearing loss than are other children. Poor hearing is associated with educational and social problems at school including truancy, early leaving and low literacy levels. Government Policy The government recognises the poor health status of Aboriginal people and is committed to reducing health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal people. The government acknowledges that Aboriginal health is not limited to the physical well being of the individual but relates to the social, emotional and cultural well-being of the whole community. In its Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People at page 12, the government said that:
On 1 October 1998 NSW Health released a document entitled Ensuring Progress in Aboriginal Health: A Framework for the NSW Health System. Following negotiation with the Aboriginal Health Resource Cooperative (AHRC), who were partners in the development of the Framework, the document will be distributed early in 1999 under the title Ensuring Progress in Aboriginal Health: A Policy for the NSW Health System. The policy provides directions and guidance to the New South Wales health system in all matters relating to Aboriginal health and establishes standards of delivery for culturally appropriate service delivery. It recognises the importance of self determination and community control in efforts to improve Aboriginal health in New South Wales and emphasises partnership with the Aboriginal community and collaboration between all major stakeholders. The NSW Aboriginal Health Strategic Plan will implement Ensuring progress in Aboriginal Health, providing agreed directions for the improvement of Aboriginal health service planning, delivery and performance management for the next three to five years. During 1999 the NSW Health Department will finalise and commence implementation of the Strategic Plan. Development of the Plan is taking place in collaboration with major stakeholders including the AHRC and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. Evaluation of the Plan will be assessed by monitoring the identified outcomes through new and existing reporting processes, including the Chief Health Officer’s Report; NSW Health’s report to the Commonwealth on performance indicators on Aboriginal health; Area Health Service performance agreements; and local partnerships. Responsibility NSW Health has an historic partnership with the NSW Aboriginal Health Resource Co-operative (AHRC), the peak body for Aboriginal community controlled health services in New South Wales. The NSW Partnership Forum advises the Minister on jointly agreed positions relating to policy, planning and broad resource allocation. It has increased the participation of Aboriginal people in these areas. The AHRC is invited to nominate a representative for all policy and planning working parties. Outcomes at the statewide level include the joint approval of the following policy documents:
Area Health Services are also establishing Partnerships with local Aboriginal community controlled health organisations to advise on service delivery and resource allocation at the Area level. Main Government Programs Evaluation and data collection NSW Health developed the Aboriginal Health Information Strategy (AHIS) in partnership with the Aboriginal Health Resource Cooperative (AHRC). The AHIS aims to provide information that will assist service providers in the planning and delivery of health services for Aboriginal people. Two projects within the AHIS specifically address improving the recording of Aboriginality in vital statistics (births and deaths) and key health data collections such as hospital inpatient statistics and notifiable diseases registers. The first of these projects relies on collaboration through the Aboriginal Vital Statistics Working Group, comprising representatives from NSW Health, the Aboriginal Health Resource Co-operative, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. During 1998 significant work was directed to the recording of Aboriginal deaths in New South Wales. This has resulted in improved processes by the Registry and the instigation of detailed monitoring of the recording of Aboriginal deaths in 1999 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). NSW Health also commenced a pilot project to improve the recording of Aboriginality in public hospitals. Three pilot sites are involved; John Hunter, Royal Prince Alfred and Lismore-Base Hospitals. Initial evaluation of the pilot is scheduled for June 1999. An important achievement under the NSW Health Information Strategy (AHIS) in 1998 was the launch of the NSW Aboriginal Health Information Guidelines. The Guidelines specify key principles and values which must be applied in the collection, management, and reporting of Aboriginal health information. These principles and values include privacy, confidentiality, and data ownership. The Guidelines were developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Health Resource Cooperative and were the result of extensive consultation with service providers in the public and Aboriginal community controlled health sectors. Involvement in National Projects. The Department is represented on the National Indigenous Health Information Plan (NIHIP) Implementation Working Group, which co-ordinates efforts nationally to improve Aboriginal health statistics. These efforts include implementation of standardised, consistent methods of recording Aboriginality throughout all vital statistics and health collections. The Department has also collaborated with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on various activities it has initiated to improve the recording of Aboriginality and Aboriginal statistics in general. Consistent with the principles and spirit of the NSW Aboriginal Health Partnership, representatives from NSW Health and the AHRC have continued to collaborate on several projects designed to improve Aboriginal health statistics. The include the National Performance Indicators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, the National Indigenous Health Information Plan, the ABS’s proposed Indigenous Statistics Program and the NSW Aboriginal Health Information Strategy. Community controlled health organisations Under the auspices of the Partnership Agreement between the Health Department and the Aboriginal Health Resource Co-operative, community participation is integral to developing a comprehensive health planning and service delivery. Health planning will be undertaken on three levels:
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care is the primary funding body for Aboriginal community controlled health services. NSW Health, through the Non Government Organisation (NGO) Program currently funds 30 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to deliver complementary health services which include public health, dental, drug and alcohol, HIV/AIDS and maternal health. In addition the Department, through its Capital Works Program, has established Aboriginal Community Health Posts for rural and remote Aboriginal communities that have little or no access to mainstream health services. Area Health Services will use these facilities in partnership with the Aboriginal community. Eight will be operational by the end of the 1998-99 financial year. The Aboriginal Non Government Organisation (NGO) Program under which Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services are funded was reviewed in 1994. The report of the review included recommendations relating to mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of funded services. Implementation of the recommendations is continuing. The Aboriginal Health Branch of the NSW Health Department will further review all funding programs it has carriage of to ensure effective and efficient funding processes. This includes the Aboriginal NGO Program. The Health Department and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation have agreed to adhere to an annual Funding and performance Agreement. This is a requirement of the Department’s NGO Operational Guidelines. Through the NGO Advisory Committee, the Department has developed a draft NGO Policy which will cover all matters relating to the NGO Program. This document will be finalised during 1999. Hearing loss programs The NSW Aboriginal Child Otitis Media Strategy was launched on 6 July 1998 with funding of $500,000 over three years. A project officer has been appointed to co-ordinate the implementation of the Strategy. The Aboriginal Health Partnership has agreed to the placement of 12 child health positions to implement the strategy. The 12 positions will be located primarily in Aboriginal Medical Services. Where there is no Aboriginal Medical Service, positions will be located in Area Health Services. 3.7.2 Mental Health Evidence of Disadvantage In 1993, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission produced a Report of the National Inquiry into the Human Rights of People with Mental Illness. (AGPS, 1993) As part of the Inquiry evidence was received from Aborigines in relation to their experiences and perceptions of mental illness among their people. At p 693, the report stated that:
The underlying causes of Aboriginal mental ill health flow from generations of cultural genocide, a dislocation and destruction of Aboriginal cultural ways of survival and a denial of the right to self-determination. This has psychological [consequences] Aboriginal people are subjected to blatant and subtle racism, and inevitably this racism is internalised and people feel bad about themselves and each other.” In relation to the prevalence of mental illness among Aboriginal people the report stated, at p 695, that:
A psychiatrist, Dr Ernest Hunter, told the Inquiry that:
In the report Ways Forward – The National Consultancy Report of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health (1995), Swan and Raphael observed that Aboriginal people suffer mental health problems such as depression at a very high rate. The incidence of self-harm and suicide are higher than those for non-Aboriginal people. Substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse were found to be additional risk factors. Trauma and grief were found to be significant problems. Government Policy On 23 October 1997 the Minister for Health launched the Aboriginal Mental Health Policy:
Responsibility At the State level, NSW Health is the main government agency responsible for the mental health of Aboriginal people. Aboriginal medical services operate independently of the public health system, but are funded by both the New South Wales and Commonwealth governments. Main Government Programs The Centre for Mental Health has developed strategies to address the mental health issues and grief and loss issues experienced by Aboriginal people. This process is being conducted in partnership with the Aboriginal Health Resource Co-operative (AHRC), Aboriginal Health Branch and Areas Health Services. Some of the strategies being used are:
The aim of this approach is to achieve flexibility in service provision; provide accessibility of services; promote the provision of follow-up of clients across Areas; reflect respect for Aboriginal people and promote a holistic approach to mental health. The Centre for Mental Health has recruited a project officer for 12 months to oversee and implement the Policy in Partnership with the Aboriginal Health Resource Cooperative (AHRC) and the Aboriginal Health Branch (AHB). The project officer will visit Areas, promote the policy and report to the Partnership on progress. The policy has been distributed widely to all Area Health Services, Aboriginal communities, other Departments and associated services and organisations. The Centre for Mental Health is assessing the effectiveness of the NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Policy. The Reference Group for the implementation of the Policy meets bi-monthly and provides advice on:
A survey was conducted at the beginning of the implementation of the policy to assess how Area Mental Health Services have progressed with the implementation of the Policy since its release in October 1997. A follow up survey will be conducted towards the end of the Project Officer’s 12 month period, which will ask each Area Mental Health Service to assess its progress with the implementation of the Policy. $150,000 has been allocated from the National Mental Health Reform and Incentive Transitional Funding (NMHRIT) for Aboriginal community based Mental Health Services, in line with the National Policy. These funds have been used for the provision of services to deal with problems associated with trauma, grief and loss issues and separation – factors which were identified as contributing to Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Burdekin funds of $700,000 have been allocated annually for Specialist Mental Health Intervention Programs for Aboriginal children and young people. 3.7.3 Drug and Alcohol Use Evidence of Disadvantage The proportion of people who have tried a “hard” drug is the same in both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations (12%), with the level of current use also being similar at between 3-4%. However about 24% of the Indigenous people are current users of an illicit drug, compared with 15% of the general population. In 1993-94 it was found that fewer Indigenous people than non-Indigenous people drink regularly (33% and 45% respectively). However, of the Indigenous drinkers who reported drinking weekly, 79% were doing so at harmful levels, compared to 12% in the general community. Government Policy The NSW Drug Strategy is being developed and is due for release in 1999. It will seek to improve drug and alcohol services for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. The NSW Indigenous Drug Strategy will analyse those models of service delivery which work most effectively for Aboriginal people. The NSW Adult Alcohol Action Plan, describing the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing alcohol-related harm in New South Wales, was released in June 1998. The Plan emerged as a result of consultations undertaken at two forums, the Premier’s Forum – Alcohol and Community, held in 1995 and the Adult Alcohol Strategy Forum held in 1996. The Plan will be implemented at an area level and evaluated in 2002. The Plan adopts a harm minimisation approach to alcohol use. This approach seeks to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences of alcohol use by minimising the harms for both the community and the individual without necessarily eliminating use. The Plan is the result of agreement between key stakeholders on the policy priorities and broad strategic areas to be addressed. Outcomes over the next five years focus on three priority areas: health, crime and the community. The Plan identifies special target groups who may require specialised policy initiatives. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have been identified as such a group and NSW Health will be working with these communities through the Aboriginal Health Branch and other key stakeholders to develop culturally appropriate and relevant strategies. Responsibility The main responsibility for harm minimisation in relation to intoxicated persons rests with the Department of Health. Agencies such as the Police Service and Department of Community Services also have specific responsibilities. These agencies have started developing a protocol for the delivery of services to this target group which will be finalised for consideration by the agencies Chief Executive Officers during 1998. Main Government Programs NSW Health The Department is improving drug and alcohol services by developing networks with general practitioners and equipping them to respond to the range of problems associated with alcohol and other drug use. The Department has employed a number of Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers statewide to facilitate Aboriginal access to mainstream services. Although funding of drug and alcohol services is primarily the responsibility of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services, NSW Health under its Non-Government Organisation Program, continues to allocate recurrent funding ($38,500 for 98-99) to Oolong House (Illawarra Area Health Services), Orana Haven (Far West Health Service) and Ngaimpe (Central Coast) to undertake drug and rehabilitation programs. Oolong House, Orana Haven and Ngaimpe are Indigenous specific services primarily funded by the Commonwealth. NSW Health provides supplementary funding, under NSW Health Aboriginal Non-Government Organisation Program, to enhance their programs. Under this program, The Settlement Neighbourhood Centre (Chippendale) received $84,260 for community prevention initiatives, and the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Services received $150,000 to conduct a feasibility study on the appropriateness of developing an Aboriginal controlled residential health care centre for adolescents. The services submit annual activity reports to the Department. These services comprise both a residential and non-residential program, including counselling; group therapy; stress management and relaxation; recreation; work skills and employment; and after-care. Specialist services are not always the answer. As well as creating access problems for clients, the establishment of specialist services in rural areas can be cost inefficient. NSW Health has been funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to implement the New South Wales component of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Alcohol Campaign. The campaign will be based on the principles of self-determination and youth participation. The NSW Health Department has received a total of $240,000 through the Public Health Outcome Funding Agreement for the implementation of two projects related to Aboriginal worker training and to the use of tobacco by Aboriginal people. Redfern Project NSW Health is working with the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service to establish a multi-purpose drug and alcohol service for communities based around Redfern and Waterloo. This is a collaborative, community based initiative involving a holistic model of prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol problems. Components of the project will include detoxification services, in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation services, methadone maintenance and substitution treatment, crisis intervention and primary care services. Negotiations with local government have delayed this project. Funded projects The Centre for Education and Information on Drugs and Alcohol (CEIDA) has been funded by NSW Health to implement two projects: a training needs analysis of Aboriginal Health Workers in relation to drug and alcohol issues, and an evaluation of the impact mainstream mass media programs have on Aboriginal young people. Media campaigns include the NSW QUIT Campaign and the youth alcohol campaign, Drink Drunk -The Difference is U. CEIDA will continue to liaise with the Aboriginal Health Branch and offer training programs to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in drug and alcohol issues. Police Service Service sponsored education camps have been conducted for Aboriginal youth in the Richmond, Far South Coast, Brisbane Waters, New England, and Barwon Local Area Commands. These camps provide a forum to educate young Aboriginal people on harm minimisation principles. These camps are culturally appropriate and involve participation by Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers to ensure sensitive matters concerning young people are addressed and resolved. Juvenile Justice The Department’s Psychological and Specialist Programs Unit, in conjunction with the Collaborative Research Unit, has employed an Aboriginal psychologist to advise psychologists and other Specialist Program staff (including Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counsellors) on assessing and intervening with young Aboriginal offenders. All 13 AOD counsellors have received training in the history and impact of the Stolen Generation on young offenders. They have been provided with information about the consequences of this policy on young people, their identities, the inter-generational dislocation, the losses suffered by their families and in the importance of considering the social context within which these young people are placed. The implementation of the recommendations of the report on the Detection and Management of Illicit Drugs in custody (DAMOID) will benefit Aboriginal young people in detention. The implementation calls for a two pronged approach to reduce the flow of drugs into Detention Centres and to offer a range of alternative programs to assist young people to break free from drug abuse. Department of Community Services The Supported Assistance Accommodation Program (SAAP) currently provides $5.6 million in funding to 26 services across New South Wales. The primary aim of these services is to address the needs of homeless persons who have an alcohol addiction. Within the SAAP service system there are a number of services which primarily target Aboriginal people. These include services located in Bourke, Brewarrina, Moree and Walgett. The Department of Community Services recognises the need to provide long term solutions for homeless people with alcohol addictions. Cabinet has requested that the Partnership Against Homelessness committee review services provided by the SAAP service network. A sub-committee of the Partnership Against Homelessness committee has commenced a review of current service provision to identify structural changes and improvements to ensure the system responds to the needs of the Aboriginal client group in the most appropriate manner. This will result in Aboriginal people having greater access to SAAP services that are culturally appropriate to their needs. Department of Education and Training Aboriginal perspectives are reflected in Departmental policies which focus on student welfare. A drug education program to support Aboriginal students and their communities was developed in consultation with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. Training is being provided for Aboriginal students in areas such as Aboriginal health facts, harm minimisation and decision making skills. Aboriginal student leadership in the drug education context has been fostered through funding Aboriginal students to attend the State Student Representative Council conference. Department of Gaming and Racing The Department has a number of programs in place to ensure compliance with legislation relating to the sale and serving of alcohol. The responsible serving and consumption of alcohol has a role in preventing illnesses and injuries and the commission of crimes which are a direct result of intoxication. A number of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody focussed on controls over the availability and service of liquor. The No More It’s the Law Program is a responsible drinking program launched in December 1996 which supports licensed venues around New South Wales in refusing service to intoxicated people. The Program aims to increase public awareness that licensees are prohibited from serving people when they are intoxicated. The Program has included the distribution of point of sale display materials, such as stickers and posters, to licensees. The Liquor and Registered Clubs Legislation Amendment Act 1996 (the Harm Minimisation package) commenced in October 1996. It amended the Liquor Act and the Registered Clubs Act to:
The Liquor and Registered Clubs Legislation Amendment (Enforcement) Act 1996, referred to as the “Enforcement” legislative package also commenced in October 1996. A number of the legislative amendments complement those in the Harm Minimisation package. Some of the principal new measures in the package include:
Liquor accords have been identified as a positive way forward to minimise the liquor-related harm that can occur in and around licensed venues, particularly those that trade late. A liquor accord is a formal or an informal agreement reached between stakeholders at the local level through the involvement of the local liquor industry, police, councils and others. While the liquor legislation provides a range of measures to address alcohol-related problems, those measures are usually applied after a problem occurs. Liquor accords are different because they are more flexible, can be tailored to meet local situations, and have the advantage of support and co-operation from local licensees and clubs. Liquor accords are already in place in Kings Cross, Dubbo, Taree, Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Maitland. Police in Taree have recorded a 65% drop in the number of alcohol-related offences in and around licensed venues with the introduction of the accord. 3.7.4 Area Health Services Aboriginal Representation on Area Health Service Boards NSW Health includes seventeen Area and Rural Health Services. In 1994, the Department requested each Service to develop a strategic plan to improve the health of Aboriginal people. The plans are designed to achieve the Aboriginal Health Goals for NSW which the Minister launched in 1994. Each plan must develop strategies based on a minimum of four goals relating to the prevention of death and illness and four goals relating to encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing risk factors. The plans are developed in consultation with local Aboriginal communities. The content and progress of some of these plans is set out below. There are currently 22 Aboriginal people on Area Health Service Boards across New South Wales. An Aboriginal Board Member Network has been established to support Aboriginal Board Members in their role. A meeting of Aboriginal Board Members was held on 24 November 1998. Nine members attended. A number of outcomes were reached and recommendations made, including a seminar conducted on Aboriginal Health issues for mainstream Board Members, and the need for Network meetings to be held annually. Details of initiatives undertaken by individual Area Health Services is attached at Appendix D. 3.8 EDUCATION AND TRAINING 3.8.1 Pre-schools, Primary and Secondary Schools Evidence of Disadvantage The number of Aboriginal students attaining the School Certificate in New South Wales is now close to their proportion in the general population. In 1997, out of a total New South Wales population of approximately 1.6%, 1.5% of students who attained the School Certificate were Aboriginal. This percentage was considerably lower in relation to Higher School Certificate results. Only 0.7% of students who attained the Higher School Certificate were Aboriginal. Aboriginal students have a lower mean performance than their non-Aboriginal counterparts in both numeracy and literacy. In 1998, 29% of Aboriginal students were placed in the top 50% of students in literacy tests in Year 10; while 14% were placed in the top 50% in numeracy tests. This under-representation of Aboriginal students in the upper performance band improved slightly in Year 12 assessments. Attendance rates for Aboriginal students in 1996 were 87% compared with 91% for all students in New South Wales government schools. The 1998 retention rate of 31% for Aboriginal students in years 7-12 is less than half of the retention rate for all students of 63%. But these figures are a significant improvement on the figures for 1990 when the retention rate for Aboriginal students was 19% compared with 51% for all students. The failure of schools to retain Aboriginal students nationally has been recognised as an underlying issue associated with the high unemployment rate of Aboriginal people and their disproportionately high contact with the criminal justice system both as juveniles and adults. Government Policy In 1996 the Department of School Education launched the NSW Aboriginal Education Policy (AEP). The AEP was developed in consultation with NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. The AEP addresses three focus areas: Aboriginal students; Aboriginal Communities and All Staff-All Students-All Schools. The three goals which underpin these focus areas are:
The AEP is mandatory for all New South Wales schools. In implementing the Aboriginal Education Policy, the Department identified the Aboriginal community as one of its three focus areas. Three outcomes from the policy are being sought for the Aboriginal community. These are:
The Aboriginal Education Training and Development Resource (AEDTR) was developed to support the AEP. The AEDTR is being delivered to all public schools in New South Wales over a five year period to the year 2000. Responsibility In December 1997 the government announced that the Department of School Education, the Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFE) and the Department of Training and Education Co-ordination (DTEC) were to be amalgamated to form one department: the Department of Education and Training (DET). The DET has established a new Aboriginal Programs Unit with 22 staff members who manage school and TAFE programs for Aboriginal students and community members. The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) is the peak community body for the provision of advice to government on Aboriginal education issues. Following the restructuring of DET the Regional Aboriginal Education Advisory Committees have ceased to function. New advisory committee arrangements are being developed which will also take into account the amalgamation of Statewide Aboriginal TAFE and schools units. The function of the Office of the Board of Studies is to develop syllabuses and teacher support material. The importance of involving Aboriginal people in the Board’s work is stressed in its Statement of Equity Principles and its Syllabus Development Handbook. The Board consults with Aboriginal people in the development of syllabuses, support documents and resources and seeks to include Aboriginal viewpoints, culture and history as well as addressing the needs of Aboriginal students. Participation in the development of curriculum materials is promoted through the President’s Aboriginal Initiatives Education Advisory Committee (PAEIAC), the AECG and AECG representatives on Syllabus Advisory Committees. In addition, it has a specific function to “arrange for the development of appropriate curriculum resources and other material to assist in the education of students with an Aboriginal background". Pre-schools Department of Education and Training The Department of Education and Training continues to maintain eight pre-schools that were established between 1990 and 1996. In 1998, an additional pre-school in an Aboriginal community was established. The pre-schools are:
These pre-schools prepare both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students for kindergarten through the provision of programs to support their literacy, numeracy and social development. In 1998 there were 149 Aboriginal children enrolled in these pre-schools out of a total of 230 pre-schoolers. Anecdotal evidence from the teachers in the primary schools which these students subsequently attend, indicates that the students who have attended pre-school are better equipped for primary school than those students who have not attended pre-school. Aboriginal parents are involved in these pre-schools as members of local advisory committees that provide advice relating to resources, programming and the operation of the pre-schools. Aboriginal parents are involved on a daily basis through assisting with the development of Aboriginal studies programs and literacy and numeracy activities. The Schools as Community Centres Program is currently operating from six centres across New South Wales. The program aims to support families with children five years and under with a view to promoting a positive start to school. The program is jointly managed and funded by Departments of Education and Training, Community Services, Health and Housing. Four of the community centres, Coonamble, Kelso, Kempsey West and Redfern Public Schools are located in areas of significant Aboriginal population in the community. An evaluation of the pilot in 1997 confirmed that it is successfully meeting its objectives, for example: children involved in the project are more co-operative at school entry; all centres have increased emergent literacy behaviours among the children involved; and enrolments in transition-to-school programs have increased significantly. DET has the primary responsibility for administering the Program. Department of Community Services The Department of Community Services recognises the important benefits that can accrue for individuals, families, and society when children are afforded access to early childhood services. Access to quality pre-school services provides benefits in socialisation and early development that can equip children for their entry into, and success in formal schooling. This can lead to better educational and employment outcomes. In addition, incidents of neglect and abuse can be prevented by offering care opportunities. The Department provides funding for identified Aboriginal early childhood services to enable children to access appropriate age development programs, and to assist parents to meet their work and family commitments. Approximately $23.3 million is provided to early childhood services which Aboriginal children attend. During 1997-98, additional funding totalling more than $900,000 was approved for Aboriginal specific early childhood services. This funding has been allocated for:
From June 1996 to June 1998 the percentage representation of Aboriginal children attending pre-school services increased from 2.3% to 3.1% (an increase of 34%), while in child care services the increase during the same period was 42%. In New South Wales, pre-school programs are required under licensing conditions to be offered in both child care and pre-school services. The child care regulations which govern the licensing and operation of services requires them to have service policies, practices and procedures which include:
Services funded by the Department use the parent management model. This allows parents to have a say in the direction and day to day management of the service. The Department of Community Services’ policies on funded early childhood services further foster the involvement of parents in the direct operation of the service. The Department consults with government agencies, peak organisations, and direct service providers about current policy and service delivery issues leading to the identification of policy and service barriers and gaps, and the development of strategies that can address these issues. The Department of Community Services is also represented on committees managed by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs through which Commonwealth funding is provided to pre-schools under the Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Plan. Primary and Secondary Schools Board of Studies The NSW Board of Studies develops curriculum and curriculum support materials for all schools in New South Wales from Kindergarten to Year 12. The Board seeks to address the underlying disadvantages experienced by Aboriginal people by promoting social justice through education. The two main focuses are providing curriculum materials which:
All new and revised syllabuses and support documents are examined by a working group consisting of staff of the Office of the Board of Studies and the Equity Review Group to determine the extent to which they meet the requirements of the Statement of Equity Principles. The Board of Studies involves Aboriginal people in the development of syllabuses, support documents and resources to ensure that they are inclusive of Aboriginal viewpoints, cultures and history and address the needs of Aboriginal students. Participation in the development of curriculum materials is promoted through the President’s Aboriginal Initiatives Education Advisory Committee (PAEIAC), the NSW Australian Indigenous Languages Committee, representation on the Board of Studies, the Aboriginal Studies Examination Committee and Board Curriculum Committees. The Board employs Aboriginal people as project officers, contract writers, artists and advisers. The Board’s Statement of Equity Principles and Syllabus Development Handbook guide curriculum writers on the development of inclusive curriculum materials and the need for the involvement of Aboriginal people. Both documents acknowledge the importance of educating all students about Aboriginal people, cultures and history and meeting the educational needs of Aboriginal students. The Statement of Equity Principles includes a section “Promoting Indigenous Australian perspectives” which states the Board’s commitment to the implementation of the education related recommendations of the RCIADIC. The Statement of Equity Principles requires that writers of syllabus and support materials will “ensure that curriculum reflects the fact that Australia has an Indigenous Australian history and reflects Indigenous Australian viewpoints, interests, perceptions and expectations on social, cultural and historical matters” and “incorporate strategies to enable all students to develop a knowledge of, appreciation for and empathy with Indigenous Australian peoples, cultures and histories.” The Aboriginal Curriculum Unit develops resources and teaching kits to support teachers in effective Aboriginal Education. These have included Aboriginal Studies syllabuses, Aboriginal Literacy Kits and an Aboriginal History Kit. Making a Difference, launched in March 1998, is designed to develop teachers’ awareness of the education related recommendations and their implications and the role and responsibility of the education system in the prevention of Aboriginal deaths in custody. This resource also provides practical strategies for assisting teachers in their implementation of the recommendations. Through the ACU, the Board of Studies has developed, in consultation with Aboriginal people, the following resources to support Aboriginal students and Aboriginal Studies and promote Aboriginal perspectives across the curriculum:
In 1998 the following syllabuses/support materials were developed or revised:
The development of these syllabuses involved extensive state wide consultation and included specific consultation with the AECG. The Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies syllabus is being reviewed as part of the review of the Higher School Certificate. In 1998 an evaluation report on Aboriginal Studies was completed and a Writing Brief developed in consultation with the AECG, Aboriginal Education Workers, teachers and academics. The new syllabus will be released in July 1999. Department of Education and Training DET included specific reference in its annual strategic planning statement, Agenda 98, to the achievement of the targets set by the NSW Aboriginal Education Policy. This policy and associated planning are designed to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal students and to educate all students about Aboriginal Australians. The Commonwealth’s Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program and the State fund services to schools in the areas of literacy, numeracy, retention, attendance, staff training, curriculum development, Aboriginal employment and community participation. In 1997-98 the staff and community representatives of more than 600 schools and 40 district offices commenced the Aboriginal Education Training Development Resource Program training. This course is part of the implementation of the Aboriginal Education Policy. DET employs Student Services and Equity Programs staff, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers, Aboriginal Education Officers, Aboriginal Education Assistants and Aboriginal teachers to ensure that schools are responsive to the needs of Aboriginal students and to promote the retention of Aboriginal students in schools. Funds are targeted to support the employment of Aboriginal people in schools experiencing difficulties with non-attendance and non-participation by Aboriginal students. The Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers Program is designed to increase the participation of Aboriginal parents, care givers and community members in school activities. Thirty Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers are employed. An additional 82 Aboriginal Education Assistants were employed during 1998 bringing the total number of these positions assisting classroom teachers in schools across the State to 312. Eight of these positions are in community care schools within Juvenile Justice Centres. DET also gives priority of employment to Aboriginal teachers. The Department of Education and Training makes staff available to Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness Program (ASSPA) committees wherever they are established in a government school. Further, through TAFE NSW, a training course to equip Aboriginal people with the skills needed to participate in committees such as ASSPA, continued to be available during 1998. This course, Aboriginal Education Committee Training, developed in 1996 and revised in 1997, provides Aboriginal students with an introduction to transferable skills needed for the efficient running of an education-related committee, including budgeting, committee procedures, conflict resolution and planning. In 1998, 48 students undertook this course. Interaction between teachers and the Aboriginal community is strongly encouraged once they have undergone professional development under the Aboriginal Education Training and Development Resource. Interaction between the school and the community is further facilitated through Home School Liaison Officers, Education Officers (Home School Liaison) and Aboriginal Education Consultants. The conditions of employment for teachers are designed to ensure equity for all teachers, including Aboriginal teachers. While employment conditions for teachers are a statewide concern, Aboriginal involvement in matters relating to education, including Aboriginal education, is strongly encouraged. Schools and districts are encouraged to form Aboriginal education advisory groups to ensure that community concerns and issues are reflected in the teaching. Literacy, numeracy and retention programs The Department recognises the importance of social and cultural factors in the literacy, numeracy and truancy of Aboriginal students. Over 580 schools received program grants in 1998, to assist them improve literacy and numeracy outcomes. The grants also supported schools in developing Aboriginal studies. Guidelines encourage schools to involve the Aboriginal community wherever possible. This involvement includes employment of community members and training Aboriginal care givers in literacy skills that will build and support home literacy practices. Historically the Aboriginal absentee rate is about double that of other students. However, the gap is narrowing. The 1998 Aboriginal attendance rate increased by 2% over 1997 to 89%. The following strategies to enhance literacy and numeracy and to combat truancy include both staffing and program support:
Student welfare Aboriginal perspectives are reflected in Departmental policies which focus on student welfare. A drug education program to support Aboriginal students and their communities was developed in consultation with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. Training is being provided for Aboriginal students in areas such as Aboriginal health facts, harm minimisation and decision making skills. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ Week programs are generally planned and implemented by individual schools to meet the needs of their local communities. These programs are sometimes supported by direct financial assistance to schools. They often involve purchasing resources to support Aboriginal studies, employing casual teachers to undertake specific improvement tasks, and encouraging study of Aboriginal history and culture by non-Aboriginal students, teachers and parents. Department of Community Services The issue of truancy is also of concern to the Department of Community Services. The Department has agreed in principle to an Inter-Departmental approach to this issue to provide support to Aboriginal young people who are defined as truants. Departmental staff and foster carers who are not sensitive to the needs of Aboriginal young people could be seen as a contributing factor to truancy. In recognition of this, the Department has developed and published (1998) the Bridging Cultures cross-cultural training program and the Aboriginal Foster Carers Training Manual (1997) which address these issues. 3.8.2 Vocational Education and Training Evidence of Disadvantage In 1997 only 20% of Aboriginal people over the age of 15 had post school qualifications, compared with 44% of the general population. Although Aboriginal people make up 1.6% of the general population in New South Wales, their representation at universities in 1996 was disproportionately low, being equal to 0.9% of the total number of university students enrolled that year. Government Policy The government recognises that the disadvantages Aboriginal people have suffered in education and training, and the effect this has had upon their subsequent employment is an underlying issue which has contributed to Aboriginal deaths in custody. The government is committed to providing Aboriginal communities, throughout the state’s vocational educational and training systems, with the skills and knowledge they need in vital service areas such as health, housing and infrastructure. As well as mainstream government programs designed to increase work skills, the government has introduced a range of training and education initiatives which focus on improving the skills of Aboriginal people. Responsibility While the Commonwealth Government has the primary responsibility for employment policy, the NSW Government bears the main responsibility for education and training programs. The Department of Education and Training has an Aboriginal Community Programs Unit which provides a Statewide co-ordinated approach to the development and funding of education and training assistance which leads to the employment of Aboriginal people in New South Wales. The Unit provides advice and assistance to Aboriginal community organisations, local government and public sector agencies. This advice relates to strategies to increase the number of Aboriginal people employed in permanent positions and to increase vocational skills competency and career development outcomes for Aboriginal people. The Aboriginal Community Programs Unit has developed and reviewed the NSW Public Sector and Local Government Employment and Career Development strategies. These strategies lead to permanent employment and incorporate career development components. The Public Sector Employment and Career Development strategy is now the Elsa Dixon Program. The NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training is developing a Statewide strategy for Vocational Education and Training for Aboriginal people in New South Wales and is consulting with Aboriginal people and communities about the draft paper: Respect : A Vocational Education and Training Strategy for Indigenous People in New South Wales. Strategic actions set out in the Strategy relate to increased access, increased participation, improved completion, higher levels of qualifications, improved employment and improved accountability. The strategy is due to be completed before the end of 1999 following the allocation of an additional $20,000. TAFE NSW plays an important role in delivering education and training. State Government departments and agencies can negotiate with TAFE NSW to provide courses to meet specific training needs for Indigenous employees/trainees. These courses are accredited by TAFE NSW. The Adult and Community Education (ACE) Sector serves as a first point of contact for adults who wish to update their education and training needs. The ACE sector has an extensive community adult education network, with more than 100 providers across New South Wales. Fifty-three of these providers are located in regional and rural areas. Department of Education and Training Targeted courses for Aboriginal communities and organisations delivered by TAFE NSW are all based on a process of consultation between the community/organisation and the TAFE Aboriginal Co-ordinators or Aboriginal Development Managers. TAFE NSW provides the following:
Certificates II-IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health are new courses currently being implemented in TAFE. These courses were developed by the Community Services, Health, Tourism, and Hospitality Educational Services Division in conjunction with the Aboriginal Programs Unit. Among the courses available to assist Aboriginal organisations to develop the administrative and management skills of service delivery organisations is the Aboriginal Education Committee Training course. This course, developed in 1996 and revised in 1997, provides Aboriginal students with an introduction to transferable skills needed for the efficient running of an education-related committee, including budgeting, committee procedures, conflict resolution and planning. In 1998, 48 students undertook this course. Joint planning by Western Institute of TAFE and Murdi Paaki ATSIC Regional Council was commenced for consultancies in training in housing construction and renovation. Western Institute of TAFE also commenced planning for carpentry, joinery and organisational administration courses for Binnaal Billa ATSIC Regional Council. In 1998, the University of New England trialed a community based teacher-training course at Boggabilla. The Department recognises the importance of established Indigenous Education Units within universities so that students from remote locations can be supported while undertaking their teacher training. Information gathered from the 1997 data on Aboriginal participation indicates that Aboriginal people participated in courses that provide skills relevant to the areas of home making and domestic budgeting, including cooking, healthy heart cooking and various styles of cooking; and survival skills in the kitchen. These courses were attended by Aboriginal people at most colleges. During 1997, a course in catering was conducted in Menindee Community College, a Teaching in ACE and Tutor Training Module I was conducted in Ivanhoe, personal care was conducted at Wyong, cooking was conducted at Condobolin, Workplace Training Category 1, Healthy Residents and personal Care were conducted at Narrabri. At Wagga Community College, Aboriginal students participated in Finance courses. Department of Education and Training funds, under the Contracted Training Provision Program, the Diploma in Development Studies (Aboriginal Communities). This course is delivered by Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative, an Aboriginal controlled community provider. Vocational training Joint Secondary Schools and TAFE courses are run part-time for students in Years 9 to 12 to increase their exposure to job-related education. For example, courses are provided through the Eora Campus of Sydney Institute of Technology in video production techniques, music studies, print making and Aboriginal art and health with a view to enrolment in full time Arts and Music courses. Aboriginal rural training program (ARTP) The Aboriginal Rural Training Program (ARTP) was initiated in 1989 after Murrumbidgee College of Agriculture (MCA) received funding to deliver vocational education and training (VET) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working on Aboriginal owned properties in far western New South Wales. As a result of this funding MCA, in consultation with Aboriginal communities, developed a course which was tailor-made to meet the needs of participants. Accredited courses such as the Certificate II in Rural Skills (Aboriginal Communities), Aboriginal Rural Workplace Supervisors Course and the Workplace Trainer Category 1 have been developed by the ARTP to provide training and skills for those working in Indigenous organisations. These courses improve the competence of administrative and operational staff, making it more likely that the organisations will successfully fulfil their contracts. The ARTP currently has four courses which are customised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and are accredited by the NSW Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB). The courses have been designed to give participants credit transfer and articulation into other courses offered by MCA and other VET providers. A clear educational pathway from Certificate II to Degree level in agriculture is offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through Murrumbidgee College’s affiliation with Charles Sturt University. During 1997 ARTP piloted the Workplace Trainer Category 1 course for Indigenous people across New South Wales. This national course was customised for delivery by consulting Aboriginal organisations and communities and as a result very positive outcomes were achieved. The ARTP programs have been delivered to participants from more than twenty different Aboriginal communities throughout New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. A major component of course delivery takes place within the communities so that social and economic issues may also be addressed. For example, community relationships are maintained, learning environments are enhanced, financial barriers are removed and staff/student relationships are strengthened resulting in an increase in cross-cultural awareness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s involvement in all aspects of vocational education and training is regarded a major priority by ARTP. All projects within the ARTP undergo quality assurance measures. External consultants are employed to provide quality assurance reports which include evaluation of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the courses. Data for the evaluation reports is collected by face-to-face interviews which are conducted by Indigenous people. Qualitative outcomes are also measured and monitored throughout the duration of the courses. These reports make recommendations which are presented to the relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to the College’s Board of Studies for consideration and implementation. The College’s Advisory Council includes an Indigenous member namely the Director of the Aboriginal Education Unit of Charles Sturt University. During 1997 one third of the graduates at the College’s conferring of awards ceremony were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in contrast to the period from 1963-1988 when there were no Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates. The increasing demand for culturally appropriate training in the rural sector by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations is evidence of a significant practise change brought about by the Aboriginal Rural Training Program’s success. During 1998 funds were received from DETYA under the Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program (IESIP). These funds are for the delivery of VET to Indigenous Years 9 and 10 school students, bailed offenders at the Warrakoo Life Skills Support Centre and inmates from the Broken Hill Correctional Centre. The schools program also includes juvenile offenders from the Riverina Juvenile Justice Centre. As with all ARTP programs, the IESIP funded programs included initial consultation with Indigenous Elders and organisations before program implementation. performance indicators, targets and evaluation procedures for all projects are decided in consultation with Indigenous stakeholders. NSW Agriculture through its Murrumbidgee College of Agriculture (MCA) and its the ARTP, has been recognised by Indigenous peoples from every state and territory by being awarded the inaugural ATSIPTAC’s National Indigenous Peoples’ Training Award. This national award recognises MCA as a “best practice” vocational education and training (VET) provider to Indigenous peoples. Articles produced by NSW Agriculture which would be of interest to Indigenous people include:
3.9 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 3.9.1 Private Sector Employment and Training Programs Evidence of Disadvantage The 1996 Census indicated that the Indigenous unemployment rate is 23% compared with a little under 9% for the total population. Government Policy In the Government’s Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People, the following statement is made at p 23:
The government will promote the establishment and expansion of Aboriginal private enterprises by providing accessible and relevant business advice. This is a specific goal of the Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) in 1998-99. Responsibility DSRD offers programs and services designed to enhance employment and business prospects for Aboriginal people. The Indigenous Business Economic Council is a body established to represent Aboriginal business and advise government. In 1998 DSRD plans to fund the establishment of a secretariat for this body. Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) During 1998, the Department of Industrial Relations investigated the appropriateness of its existing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in New South Wales. Following a period of extensive consultation with representative groups, industrial organisations and Aboriginal communities, the Department established the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Workplace Services Unit. The goal of the ATSI Workplace Services Unit is to improve the employment conditions experienced by ATSI people in New South Wales. To achieve this goal, the Unit assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in New South Wales to understand their rights and responsibilities as employees, managers and employers. The Unit also assists Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people in New South Wales to obtain information on all DIR services, and employment issues such as occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation and superannuation matters. An Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from major Aboriginal organisations, unions and government agencies, guides the Unit’s work. The Unit’s services to New South Wales Aboriginal communities include the:
The Department has also initiated a project to promote the employment rights of Indigenous women in New South Wales. The Department has funded the NSW Working Women’s Centre to develop and deliver employment training during 1999. Publications produced by the Department of Industrial Relations which would be of interest to Indigenous people include the pamphlet, Workplace Services available to Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islanders in NSW (April 1999). Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) Overview The DSRD has an Aboriginal Business Development Unit which funds and supports several programs designed to improve Aboriginal business outcomes. These include:
Of the 42,000 business clients DSRD serviced in 1998 it is estimated that 615 were Aboriginal. Aboriginal people also used the following DSRD services:
Regional development boards The Department of State and Regional Development funds a network of thirteen Regional Development Boards (RDBs) across New South Wales. The Boards provide a strategic framework for economic growth in each region, develop local leadership and ensure input is provided to government on local development issues. They play an important role in providing “grass roots” advice to investors and governments about their region’s investment opportunities. Boards generally comprise twelve members, including the Chairperson, and are appointed for three year terms. Board members have a broad range of skills and experience including knowledge of regional issues, successful business or management experience, links to relevant networks, higher education experience, experience in regional industrial relations, and policy development skills. Despite attempts to advertise and recruit Aboriginal people, there are currently no Aboriginal people on any of the Boards. Each Board prepares an annual Business Plan which highlights achievements over the preceding year, sets the strategic direction for the forthcoming year, and details project proposals. The Executive Director and Regional Strategies Programs Manager from Regional Development Division take into account the Board’s track record of achievement and financial position and assess these Business Plans before funding allocations are made. Examples of Regional Development Board achievements across the State include:
As a result, a federal grant of $150,000 was secured for fencing (Far Western RDB);
Business Enterprise Centres BECs are a partnership between government, the private sector and community groups in the provision of advice, training and assistance to existing and potential small business owners and operators. There are currently about 150 BECs in Australia of which 48 are in New South Wales. Each Centre is a community based independently incorporated body (or company limited by guarantee) which functions as a non-profit organisation. BECs enjoy strong community support both in terms of time commitments by high profile members of the public and direct (or indirect) financial support from local businesses. In addition to a board of directors, each BEC has a broad network of members and sponsors drawn from the business community and local councils. This network provides mentors, local contacts and a significant public profile for the BECs. The NSW Business Enterprise Centres are not part of DSRD, although DSRD is responsible for distributing some government funding to BECs and monitoring their performance. Aboriginal Business Link Program (ABLP) The Aboriginal Business Link Program (ABLP) is designed to help Aboriginal business people build networks, overcome regional isolation and develop business skills by linking them to DSRD programs and by supporting collective participation in trade shows and industry marketing. The program supports the development of enterprises by Aboriginal people. Eleven Aboriginal businesses have taken advantage of the program since July 1998. It provides a subsidy – (for individual projects – 75% of the consultancy cost to a maximum of $5,000 and for group marketing projects, 75% of the total budget with a maximum of $2,500 per participating business) for projects which demonstrate a direct benefit to Aboriginal businesses and to the economy of New South Wales. The total funding available under the Program is currently $120,000. $25,000 has been spent by businesses so far. The program aims to increase the number of Aboriginal businesses by supporting business owners and activities that are sustainable and profitable and which lead to developing skills, new markets and growth. Two streams of assistance, Link 1 and Link 2, are available under the ABLP. Link 1 links groups of Aboriginal businesses together by providing funding assistance to participate in mainstream trade shows, specific industry marketing and promotional opportunities. For example a group of five Aboriginal businesses took advantage of Link 1 to fund 75% of their costs to attend the recent “Taste of Country” trade show at the Argyle Department Store in the Rocks, Sydney. They called their group stand – “A Taste of Our Culture – 100% Aboriginal Flavour,” presenting fresh Aboriginal cuisine, bush tucker and quality arts and crafts. Most businesses showcased positive Aboriginal achievements and built networks with like-minded Aboriginal people. A Project Evaluation Questionnaire to measure the individual outcomes for each customer is completed by the customer at the conclusion of the project. Link 2 supports Aboriginal businesses to qualify for a range of other DSRD programs such as the Small Business Expansion Program, Women in Business Mentoring Program and the Regional Business Development scheme and increases the subsidy amount from 50% to 75% of the cost of a consultancy. It enabled an Aboriginal tourism business to qualify for a consultancy under the Small Business Expansion Program. Link 2 also topped the subsidy up from 50% to 75% for a $5,000 strategic marketing plan and management consultancy. A Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) enterprise with a combination of Link 2 and DSRD’s Small Business Expansion Program, was funded 75% of the costs of a feasibility study for their innovative project. They plan to expand their operation with a joint venture and infrastructure development, which complements their community vision. In addition, many CDEPs are now turning their commercial activities into viable businesses and creating full time employment. A Program Monitoring Questionnaire detailing project outcomes and the support rating of the consultant and the DSRD Client Manager is completed by the customer for each project funded under the Small Business Expansion Program (SBEP). Ongoing monitoring of key economic indicators and employment for Link 2 is carried out over three years. Investment division The Industry Division of DSRD has assisted Aboriginal clients in the fashion and cultural industries. For example, three Aboriginal fashion designers attended a marketing workshop for the 1998 Mercedes Australian Fashion Week. As a result, one designer set up a stand with their products and recently obtained sponsorship for an international exhibition. Publications, forums and other information. DSRD has developed a newsletter titled Aboriginal Business Development to disseminate information to Aboriginal businesses and key people. It is distributed every two months to over 400 people. The newsletter also provides an opportunity for Aboriginal people and communities to offer feedback about DSRD’s programs and achievements. A guide to developing Aboriginal Business was designed and written by the Manager, Aboriginal Business with the assistance of Aboriginal consultants. Aboriginal literacy and cultural consultants were contracted in the development of the guide. Aboriginal artists were used in the design. An Aboriginal community enterprise (CDEP) was involved in the collation and distribution of the guide to about 100 business and employment service providers throughout New South Wales. 1,500 of these guides will be distributed to 48 Business Enterprise Centres (BECs), 17 DSRD regional offices, six Aboriginal Enterprise Development Offices (AEDOs), Aboriginal community groups and Aboriginal businesses. DSRD has run several Cultural Tourism workshops and has met with Tourism NSW to progress partnerships between Aboriginal businesses in the cultural industries. With the assistance of Aboriginal people, DSRD developed the NSW Aboriginal Business Database. There are currently over 300 Aboriginal businesses listed with a breakdown by region and industry. The database was established to analyse and identify target areas, to disseminate information about DSRD programs and to assist in recognising the achievements of Aboriginal businesses in New South Wales. Currently, it has been used effectively by Aboriginal Business networks to facilitate forums and meetings, and to improve the design and access of DSRD’s programs to Aboriginal people. Evaluation A review of Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) and Aboriginal Enterprise Development Offices (AEDOs) was conducted by DSRD’s Aboriginal Business Development Unit to improve service delivery for Aboriginal people. In 1998, DSRD reviewed the paper “Improving Aboriginal Employment Outcomes” prepared by the Cabinet Office. DSRD was asked to review the paper particularly relating to the recommendations to: “review the work of BECs in areas of high Aboriginal population for accessibility and relevancy;” and to “establish a Working Group to review and improve BECs, the New Careers for Aboriginal People Program (ENCAP) and the Aboriginal Economic Development Officer Positions (AEDO).” With regard to the first recommendation, DSRD has provided BECs with culturally appropriate resources such as a publication entitled A guide to developing Aboriginal business, and provided cultural awareness training to BEC managers. With regard to the second recommendation, the working party met on two occasions in 1998, and DSRD understands that some of the recommendations of the review were adopted by DET. Publications produced by DSRD which would be of interest to Indigenous people include:
NSW Aboriginal Housing Office The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and the Department of Housing are committed to encouraging and supporting the sustained employment of Aboriginal people in the provision and management of Aboriginal housing. To achieve this, the two agencies have incorporated strategies to encourage and support the sustained employment of Aboriginal people in the Aboriginal housing sector, through mechanisms including:
The recent commitment of the NSW Government to the HFA upgrading program, now in progress, provides a unique opportunity to generate sustainable training and employment options for Aboriginal people. A five year program of upgrading and maintenance has commenced. The Aboriginal Housing Office will direct the maintenance and upgrading program which will be centrally co-ordinated to provide opportunities for development of Aboriginal employment and training strategies. The upgrade program will link into existing employment and training initiatives, and Aboriginal enterprises, with the aim of promoting long term employment. Further employment opportunities have resulted from the Yarnteen Aboriginal Building Corporation being awarded the contract to undertake upgrading of HFA properties in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens Local Government Areas. Yarnteen is an organisation that co-ordinates the Community Development Employment Program (CDEP). It has additionally been contracted to prepare “condition” reports for approximately 80 HFA properties and has contracts with DOH for lawn maintenance throughout the Newcastle area. During 1997-98, construction projects under the Aboriginal Housing Program at Muli Muli, Nowra, Bowraville, Nambucca, Macksville, Eden and Dareton have had a significant Aboriginal training and employment focus. Department of Public Works and Services (DPWS) DPWS continues to work with the Construction Policy Steering Committee and the State Contracts Control Board to improve business and employment opportunities for Indigenous people. In July 1998 the government released Construct New South Wales which sets the government’s goals for the construction industry in New South Wales. Strategy 10 within the document includes an action to: “Create and extend opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.” Under this action, contractors on selected government construction projects will be required to develop strategies that extend employment opportunities, enhance business skills and provide economic benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Construction Policy Steering Committee, which is chaired by DPWS, is preparing a Discussion Paper to initiate detailed consultations on this proposal. In relation to goods and services contracting, the government released Policy Statement NSW Government Procurement in December 1998. This Statement was prepared by the State Contracts Control Board, again chaired by DPWS. The Statement includes the strategy of “Improving Aboriginal employment, business skills, and the economic conditions of Aboriginal communities.” Under the strategy, service providers to government agencies will be required to indicate, in identified contracts, measures they intend to implement, if awarded the contract, for Aboriginal people in the community. DPWS continues to support and promote Merrima Aboriginal Design Unit, employing three Indigenous designers. Merrima is currently involved in developing culturally appropriate design solutions for a number of projects including Wilcannia Hospital, Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern and Acmena and Northern Rivers Juvenile Justice Centre. Olympic Co-ordination Authority A building company to create opportunities for training and employment of Aboriginal people has been established. RAC Constructions, which is a division of the Redfern Aboriginal Corporation, has successfully completed a number of projects at the Olympic Equestrian Site at Horsley Park. They include the manufacture, supply and construction of amenities facilities; taking delivery of and installing wetland planting; and taking delivery of and installing screen planting. Twenty people have gained employment with RAC Constructions, many of whom were long term unemployed. RAC Constructions is now in a better position to tender for other government projects. The Olympic Co-ordination Authority (OCA) is committed to the promotion of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in its construction program. The OCA provided assistance to Grow Employment Council and the Department of Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs to develop a database of Aboriginal people who are interested in a career in the construction industry. In assisting with the database the Manager Aboriginal Strategy has been able to place 56 Aboriginal people in full time employment. Department of Education and Training The Department of Education and Training administers the Local Government Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Program. This program provides Councils with funding assistance to increase the representation of Aboriginal people employed in permanent positions across a range of occupations. In 1998, 39 Aboriginal people gained positions in Councils. The Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer (AEDO) Program provides assistance to Aboriginal people thinking of starting a small business and supports Aboriginal people who have already established a business. This is achieved by DET funding community organisations to employ an AEDO officer. There are six AEDO officers across New South Wales and currently negotiations to employ a seventh AEDO officer to service western Sydney are under way. The New Careers for Aboriginal People Program (NCAP) assists unemployed Aboriginal people to gain employment and accredited training. This is achieved by DET funding community organisations to employ an NCAP officer. There are 13 NCAP officers across New South Wales and currently negotiations to establish 14 NCAP positions to service Far Western New South Wales are under way. NCAP officers have a caseload of at least 40 Aboriginal clients who they will assist to gain employment or enter into accredited training. NSW Fisheries NSW Fisheries assists with the identification of interested local Aboriginal communities for oyster lease clean-ups. These programs are usually implemented with the support of community programs such as Community Development and Employment Programs, and Job Search. The outcome of this initiative is employment of local Aboriginal persons on local projects. NSW Fisheries also promotes funding opportunities for Indigenous Protected Areas amongst Indigenous groups and encourages discussion and development of joint ventures. The outcomes of this initiative include:
Department of Agriculture NSW Agriculture offers advice and assistance to Indigenous organisations through programs such as the Aboriginal Rural Training Program (ARTP), Farming for the Future, Farmbis and Water Reform Incentive. These programs ensure that program materials are culturally appropriate and meet the needs of Indigenous communities. Funding submissions for programs and projects are completed co-operatively with Indigenous communities. Indigenous organisations are assisted with project reporting and accounting. 3.9.2 Public Sector Employment And Training Programs Government Policy Within the New South Wales public sector the government is working to provide permanent employment opportunities for Aboriginal people to ensure that the work force is representative of the wider community and to assist in ensuring that public sector services and programs are developed with the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people firmly in mind. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to a goal of at least 2% Aboriginal employment in the New South Wales public sector. Responsibility The Office of the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment is responsible for the development and co-ordination of equal employment opportunity policies and practices in relation to public sector employment. Aboriginal employment is a major part of ODEOPE’s work. ODEOPE has begun to develop the NSW Aboriginal Employment Framework to increase the representation of Aboriginal people employed throughout the NSW Public Sector. The Framework provides agencies with new directions in Aboriginal employment and requires outcomes in areas such as effective service provision, providing employment opportunities which match Aboriginal people’s needs and aspirations to public sector outcomes and establishing partnerships to maximise the employment of Aboriginal people throughout all sectors. The Local Government Aboriginal Employment Program is a new initiative to replace the previous jointly funded Local Government Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Program, following the withdrawal of Commonwealth funding. It aims to increase the number of Aboriginal people employed in permanent positions in a range of occupations in Local Government, and to increase skills, competency and career development of Aboriginal employees in local government. 3.9.3 Cross-cultural Training Cross-cultural training of staff is prevalent throughout the public sector. Listed below details of the training that took place in some agencies during 1998. Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) The aim of the Cultural Awareness Training strategy is to ensure that ODPP staff are aware of Aboriginal issues, and reflect that awareness in their dealings with Aboriginal victims, witnesses and accused. The Strategy includes general cultural awareness, Advanced Level of Cultural Awareness and Aboriginal Employment Strategy Training Initiatives. This training program is oriented towards legal staff and is delivered by local Aboriginal community members within each region. ODPP lawyers need to receive cultural training to ensure fairness and justice when dealing with Aboriginal people within the criminal justice system. The majority of ODPP officers want to do the right thing by Aboriginal victims and witnesses and accused, however they do not have sufficient knowledge, skills, or support to do so. Cultural awareness training and the employment of Aboriginal support staff in the future will eventually address this problem. An information resource kit has been develop to accompany the training. Cultural awareness sessions, on the topic of “Conferencing with Aboriginal Victims and Witnesses” have been presented to ODPP staff in the following ODPP regional offices: Dubbo; Penrith; Liverpool; Wollongong; Campbelltown; Parramatta; Wagga Wagga; and Lismore. The ODPP also conducted five additional cultural awareness sessions within Head office. The ODPP is currently in the process of drafting its “Aboriginal Needs Project and The ODPP’s Response Report”. It is anticipated that the report will be published in mid 1999. The ODPP’s project was undertaken to examine the needs of Aboriginal witnesses/victims and accused/defendants in relation to its own role in the community as a prosecuting authority. The report will reveal not only its findings, but also its recommendations and the ODPP’s response to those recommendations. The Office is confident that this report will be an educational tool for all New South Wales lawyers. Olympic Co-ordination Authority The Aboriginal Strategy Manager, being a qualified trainer, provides Cross-cultural Awareness training to staff, particularly guides working at the Homebush Bay Information Centre. The guides are fully briefed on the Aboriginal history of Homebush Bay and impart this knowledge on their tours. Three half-day courses have been provided so far. Department of Education and Training (DET) Cross-cultural training is delivered under the Aboriginal Education Policy. The Department has continued the delivery of training via the Aboriginal Education Training and Development Resource to staff in approximately 800 schools in 1998. Aboriginal people, employees and community members are involved in the development and implementation of in-service programs for teachers. A cross-cultural awareness training course developed within TAFE NSW, the Ngaaga-Ngaaga Kooriduraay, is still being delivered on a demand basis. Macquarie University has worked with the Department on a pilot course for teachers of Aboriginal Studies. The first intake for this eight week course began in September 1998 but was suspended to accommodate adjustments to staffing arrangements. It is expected that the course will recommence in 1999. The Department conducted a three day professional development activity in December 1998 for teachers who would be teaching Two Unit Aboriginal Studies for the first time in 1999. Department of Agriculture During 1997 the Director General for NSW Agriculture approved the creation of a position of Aboriginal Liaison Officer. This Head Office position is funded by NSW Agriculture and is based with ARTP staff at Murrumbidgee College. The liaison officer’s responsibilities include training Departmental staff in cultural awareness and raising the understanding of the broader social and economic issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Department of Community Services The Department of Community Service’s cross-cultural training program Bridging Culture has been finalised and a targeted implementation strategy developed. Implementation commenced in September 1998 and is ongoing through 1999. The registration of trainers and co-ordinators for the Bridging Cultures package was conducted in 1998 prior to the commencement of training and will be targeted to staff who have a high level of involvement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A comprehensive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resource kit has also been developed for use in a range of training strategies. The resource kit has been circulated to each of the Department’s 16 Area Offices. Two Aboriginal training positions have been established in the Corporate Human Resources Training Services Team to assist in the implementation of the Department’s Draft Aboriginal Strategic Plan for Employment and Development to meet the training and development needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. NSW Health The Department of Health finalised the development of a Cultural Awareness Package in 1996. The package was distributed to all Area Health Services late in 1997. Guidelines for implementation and review were not specified in the Package and were left to individual Area Health Services. Preliminary results of a review indicate that the performance of Area Health Services in respect to cultural awareness training is at varying levels. Responses ranged from no implementation to well developed implementation strategies which include working with TAFE and other education institutions. The results of the review also indicated that a uniform approach as to how cultural awareness training should be done, and what should or should not be included, needed to be articulated. The Aboriginal Health Branch established a working party to review the package including the feasibility of developing a new cultural awareness package and or developing materials to supplement the current package. To address the need for a uniform approach and to guide Area Health Services in developing appropriate local cultural awareness training programs, the working party has just completed draft core standards – “Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Programs for the NSW Public Health System”. The “Core Standards” will provide Area Health Services with core program topics and a uniform approach to developing and delivering Aboriginal cultural awareness programs. It is anticipated that the draft “Core Standards” will be finalised and endorsed by the Partnership during 1999. Department of Public Works and Services The Department of Public Works and Services’ Aboriginal Employment Strategy will include a section on Cross-Cultural Training for staff working closely with Indigenous communities. This training will include presentations by Indigenous people providing an overview of Aboriginal traditions and cultures, in an environment designed to encourage questions and feedback. An ATSI Employment Officer has been engaged by DPWS to assist the process. Where projects currently managed by DPWS involve Aboriginal communities, training in local Aboriginal traditions and cultures has already been conducted for relevant regional staff. Department of Aboriginal Affairs The Department of Aboriginal Affairs is a client of the Department of Public Works and Services’ Central Corporate Services Unit (CCSU). All officers have access to the courses that the CCSU provides. The Department’s in-house training tends to focus on issues of Native Title. In November 1998, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs presented a one-day conference entitled Development in the Native Title Era. The conference, which targeted developers and government agencies, promoted an understanding of the Aboriginal issues impacting on development and proposed possible courses of action. 3.9.4 Employment Office of the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment (ODEOPE) To increase the representation of Aboriginal people employed throughout the NSW Public Sector, ODEOPE has begun to develop the NSW Aboriginal Employment Framework. The Framework provides agencies with new directions in Aboriginal employment and requires outcomes in the areas of:
The Framework was developed by a group of Aboriginal Employment Co-ordinators from a number of Public Sector agencies. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Network (the peak NSW Body on Aboriginal employment issues) has been consulted on three occasions regarding the Framework. Agencies will be assisted in achieving the Framework’s objectives through participation in information sessions and a consultancy service offered by Aboriginal employment specialists participating on the Framework’s advisory committee. In regards to performance indicators, these will be negotiated with individual agencies given their current status of Aboriginal employment. This client focussed approach would be supported by both ODEOPE and Premier’s Department in providing on-going advice and assistance. As part of its normal activities, the Office has assisted numerous agencies in the development and implementation of Aboriginal employment initiatives. Specific outcomes of this activity have been employment of Aboriginal people across a wide variety of agencies, occupational areas and locations. ODEOPE has played a central role in development of employment programs within the NSW Department of Health, NSW Ambulance Service, Department of Land and Water Conservation, Bicentennial Park, Department of Housing, Department of Education and Training (sector wide Elsa Dixon Employment Program), Department of Fair Trading, etc. The role is generally working with agencies through the stages of planning, development, implementation and monitoring. Assistance is fundamentally to meet agency needs. ODEOPE adds significant value through well developed knowledge and history in Aboriginal employment, training and career development as well as public sector employment issues generally. It also adds value through it’s ability to offer agencies best practices from other agencies or from organisations in other states. A specific example is the Ambulance Service where the Aboriginal Employment Coordinator drafted a program and sought ODEOPE’s comments. The draft was written in isolation of the Service’s corporate directions and did not address the diverse opportunities for employment across the Service. ODEOPE worked with the Aboriginal Employment Co-ordinator to develop a more cohesive policy and a comprehensive action plan. The strategy is planned to be launched in July 1999. A different type of assistance was with the Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC). ODEOPE has worked with DLWC since inception of the Aboriginal Employment Program a number of years ago. In 1998, the Department undertook an evaluation of the program. ODEOPE worked on the evaluation with DLWC and made recommendations which currently form the DLWC’s Aboriginal employment action plan objectives. ODEOPE has also arranged for a course on Management Development Program for Aboriginal People in the NSW Public Sector to be conducted again during 1999. The Program has been conducted three times resulting in 49 graduates of whom 80% have achieved significant career progression. ‘significant” progression relates to graduates winning promotions to positions three or more grades higher that their substantive position on commencement of the Program. For example, an Aboriginal woman at Clerk Grade 4/5 won a Clerk grade 9 position, another Aboriginal woman at Clerk Grade 7/8 won a Clerk Grade 11/12. An independent review in 1997 found the Program to be at the “cutting edge” of management training specifically for Aboriginal people in Australia. The following are outcomes of the MDPA as identified through the review: Program Outcomes – Graduates 100% of participants completed the Program. 80% of graduates had achieved career progression. 46% of graduates were Aboriginal women and 42% of graduates came from country areas. 100% of graduates stated the Program achieved it’s objectives. 100% of graduates believed the Program’s structure ensured their success, particularly the project placement modules. 100% of graduates supported continuation of the residential component of the program. MDPA provides substantial return on investment, in terms of graduate career progression. Program Outcomes – NSW Public Sector The program established benchmarks for management development specifically for Aboriginal people and provided added value to Aboriginal communities through graduate participation on various community organisations, boards, committees etc. MDPA investment is competitive in comparison to other management development programs. The Premier’s Department in partnership with ODEOPE has continued to develop a database of Aboriginal people seeking public sector employment. This information assists in matching Aboriginal people to available public sector vacancies. The database is being used by agencies and has resulted in the recruitment of approximately 40 Aboriginal people. It is currently being updated and a strategy is being developed to further market its existence to agencies and Aboriginal people. In 1998 the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Network approached a number of agencies, including ODEOPE to conduct a case management pilot project for Aboriginal students in the Mt Druitt and Penrith districts. The Career Tour offered Aboriginal students in years 9, 10 and 11 a series of five workshops over twelve months, designed to guide them along a path of identifying:
The Tour has achieved significant results for the students’ self esteem and direction. Three students have achieved entry to the university and course of their choice. Attorney General’s Department There are currently 58 Indigenous staff within the Department, representing 1.65% of total staff. The Norimbah Unit, in consultation with Cost Centre managers, is currently seeking to restore the percentage to 2%. Employment of Aboriginal staff is encouraged through several mechanisms:
Local Courts has created specialist Aboriginal Court Liaison Officers (ACLO’s) based at Nowra, Lismore, Dubbo and Blacktown. The Blacktown position is likely to be moved to Campbelltown to meet the needs of Aboriginal young people and their families at the specialist Campbelltown Children’s Court. The role of ACLO’s is to:
Local Courts has also created an additional sixteen “identified” Aboriginal positions across New South Wales, bringing Aboriginal staff numbers in Local Courts up to three% of total staff establishment. Australian Museum The Australian Museum developed a new Aboriginal employment strategy which has attracted joint funding from the Department of Education and Training to employ three Aboriginal trainees in the areas of Customs House, Exhibitions and Corporate Services. Department of Housing The Department of Housing is establishing new client service positions called Aboriginal Specialist Support Officers. The primary role of these positions will be to integrate service delivery for Aboriginal clients and assist client service teams in the management of clients with complex needs. This will involve the development of case plans and service agreements with other service providers such as NSW Health, and the Department of Community Services, regarding the provision of support services for individual clients in public housing. Department of Community Services The Department has developed a Draft Aboriginal Strategic Plan for Employment and Development (Strategic Plan) which incorporates the previous Aboriginal Employment Strategy and Aboriginal Training and Development Strategy. The Strategic Plan has been endorsed by the Department’s Aboriginal Reference Group and was supported by Aboriginal staff during the 1998 Aboriginal Staff Conference. The Strategic Plan is due for completion in March 1999. The Plan requires local Area Action Plans for Aboriginal Employment and Development (Area Action Plans) to be developed and implemented locally. These Area Action Plans will reflect local area demographics and client usage. Due to a restructure, the Strategic Employment and Training Team was re-positioned within the Strategic Employment and Equity Unit. The Program Manager Aboriginal Employment, now Training Project Officer (Aboriginal), was realigned strategically within Corporate Human Resources Training Services. Additionally, Aboriginal training programs gained a higher profile with the upgrading of the Program Manager Aboriginal Training position from grade 8/9 to grade 9/10, and the creation of a Training Officer (Aboriginal) grade 7/8. A significant achievement of the Department has been the establishment of an Aboriginal Unit located in the Communications and Executive Support Directorate. The Unit will enhance co-ordination of programs across the organisation, improve service delivery, and assist in building positive relationships with Aboriginal communities and other key stakeholders. An Aboriginal identified position, Manager – Aboriginal Unit (grade 11/12), has been created to lead the Unit. In 1998, the Department of Community Services submitted a detailed funding proposal to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Education and Training and Youth Affairs. Funding was sought to support strategies under the Draft Strategic Plan. The submission, although initially well received, was unsuccessful as funding could not be secured for strategies other than cadetships. The Department is currently investigating the possibility of securing cadetships for the Department’s psychology services. A Student Placement program has been established in the Department’s Employment and Equity Unit and negotiations with universities has enabled appropriate Departmental curricula to be included in relevant tertiary courses. There are currently two scholarships set aside for Aboriginal staff in rural/remote areas to gain or upgrade qualifications in social work or social welfare. Two joint appointments, one in Dubbo and one in Coffs Harbour, have been established to further enhance the recruitment of appropriately qualified staff and to promote Aboriginal employment and development programs in the Department. These staff form an extended Departmental/university team to work in conjunction with the Department’s Corporate Human Resources Strategic Employment and Equity Team. As at December 1998, Aboriginal identified positions numbered 120, which represents 1.63% of the Department’s total staff (excluding casuals). However, this does not indicate the total number of Aboriginal staff as Aboriginal people hold a range of non-identified positions within this organisation. Currently, the Aboriginal Employment Officer is investigating the means to encourage self identification and improve data collection which will enable accurate reporting of total Aboriginal staff numbers.
It should be noted that following a comprehensive review of all identified Aboriginal positions in the Department, the number of Aboriginal identified positions reported previously was found to be incorrect. The total number of Aboriginal identified positions as at June 1997 is 111 and not 103.5 as previously reported. A system has now been implemented to address this situation. Additionally, the Department of Community Services will continue to raise the profile of its services and programs, and employment and development opportunities by:
The Department continues to support the release of Aboriginal staff to an annual Aboriginal staff conference and other local Aboriginal staff support meetings and community activities. Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) The Office has prepared an Aboriginal Employment Strategy. The objectives of the strategy include:
The employment strategy targeted ten positions, which was dependent on funding from DEETYA. Two positions were identified, the other eight positions comprised both legal and non legal positions. The Office forwarded its proposal to DEETYA in June, 1998, with a view to gaining support. However, due to structural changes within DEETYA, the Office’s request was declined. An enhancement request for funding to establish two Aboriginal Support Officer (ASO) positions within the ODPP was submitted to Treasury early in 1999. The prospects of establishing Aboriginal identified positions within the ODPP is currently affected by limitations on budget and the difficulty in attracting suitable candidates. The Office is seeking to address negative perceptions of the ODPP which exist within the Aboriginal community. NSW Police Service The Steering Committee meets on a bi-monthly basis to discuss the effectiveness of the Strategy and ensure career and training opportunities are available to Aboriginal people with an aim of achieving 2% Aboriginal representation within the Service. In 1998, the Police Service employed 1 additional sworn officer, 5 ACLOs and 1 administrative officer. The Service, in conjunction with other government departments, held Career Expos and Forums throughout 1998, to encourage Aboriginal people to enter tile Police Service. To facilitate entry into the Police Service a Bridging Course for Aboriginal people has been established at Bankstown TAFE College. An Aboriginal Recruitment Officer will be employed in early 1999, to ensure implementation of the Strategy. Department of Corrective Services The Department recognises that an increase in the representation of Aboriginal staff and the raising of awareness among all staff concerning Aboriginal cultural matters is necessary for effective involvement of and interaction with, Indigenous people. As a direct response to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the Department of Corrective Services has set targets for the employment of Aboriginal people which are commensurate with the proportion of Aboriginal people in the community. Initiatives include the establishment of the Indigenous Services Unit, the establishment of designated Aboriginal psychologist positions and recruitment of designated Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers, Aboriginal Welfare Officer and Regional Aboriginal Project Officer positions. Eight designated Aboriginal Welfare Officer positions have been established at Mulawa, Grafton, Broken Hill, Lithgow, Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre, Cessnock, Bathurst and the Long Bay Correctional Complex. In 1996-97 a position of Employment and Careers Officer (Indigenous staff) was established. Additionally, the Probation and Parole Service has recruited Aboriginal staff through their Cadet Probation and Parole Officers Program which has been conducted on at least 3 occasions. The recruitment unit assesses all job vacancies to consider whether they would be most appropriately filled by a person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Advertisements are reviewed to ensure they are not unnecessarily restrictive so that they discourage persons of Aboriginal background. The Department has adopted a flexible approach to the assessment of qualification and criminal convictions disclosed by persons of Aboriginal descent who apply for employment as Correctional Officers. Job vacancies are advertised in the Koori Mail and other regional publications. Department of Education and Training During 1998, the Department of Education and Training continued to administer the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Program. This program provides state government authorities with funding assistance to increase the representation of Aboriginal people employed in permanent mainstream positions. In 1997-98, 44 Aboriginal people were placed into mainstream positions within the public sector and authorities. Employment of Aboriginal staff within DET remained a priority for the Department in 1998. Despite this, there was little growth in numbers of Aboriginal staff. During 1998, a new formula for allocating Aboriginal Education Assistants was developed and implemented. By taking greater account of the population distribution of Aboriginal students, the Aboriginal Education Assistants will be better placed to maximise support for Aboriginal students. Other programs which the Department of Education administers include the Local Government Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Program. This program provides Councils with funding assistance to increase the representation of Aboriginal people employed in permanent positions across a range of occupations. In 1998, 39 Aboriginal people gained positions in Councils. NSW Health An updated Aboriginal Employment Strategy was endorsed by the Aboriginal Resource Co-operative and launched on 18 December 1997. The major purpose of the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES) is to significantly increase employment outcomes for Aboriginal people through affirmative action strategies focusing on the recruitment training and career development outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. To date a number of tasks and strategies have been developed to facilitate the implementation of the AES. These include:
Corrections Health Service, with the assistance of the Office of the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment, is currently developing an Aboriginal Employment Strategic Business Plan and orientation programs. The Plan will identify key strategies and targets for Aboriginal employment. Corrections Health Service, in conjunction with Sydney Universities’ Centre for Indigenous Heath Studies and the Health Industry Group Training Company, are currently working closely together to encourage recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to full time positions. There has been an increase the number of Aboriginal people employed throughout New South Wales Health Services across all levels and occupations (achieving a minimum of 2%). Five Area Health Services exceeded their targets in 1998 whereas in 1997, only one Area Health Service exceeded the 2% target. Area Health Services which exceeded the 2% target this year were:
Areas that have done well are those Areas that have a high Aboriginal population and An Aboriginal Employment Co-ordinator. Employment of Aboriginal Health Co-ordinators in Area Health Services with significant Aboriginal populations assists to improve access to health services. At present fifteen of the sixteen Area Health Services have Aboriginal Health Co-ordinators. There are plans for Aboriginal Health Co-ordinators to be employed in the remaining Area Health Service, Corrections Health, New Children Hospital and the NSW Ambulance Service. Aboriginal Health Co-ordinators provide policy advice to management and plan, facilitate, monitor and evaluate mainstream health service provision in Aboriginal health. The Co-ordinators are members of the NSW Aboriginal Health Partnership, which advises the NSW Government on Aboriginal health matters. The ongoing employment of Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers and implementation of the Cultural Awareness Package also improves access to services for Aboriginal people. To improve access to health services by Aboriginal people the Department has issued seeding grants for Aboriginal Hospital Liaison positions to those hospitals that service significant Aboriginal communities. It is now the obligation of the Area Health Services to maintain these positions. The Heritage Office The Heritage Office has one Aboriginal staff member which represents 2.5% of the total workforce, which is above the NSW Government benchmark of 2%. NSW Aboriginal Housing Office The Office has developed an Aboriginal Employment Strategy for AHO staff to attract, recruit and retain Aboriginal staff within the AHO. This will include the identification of approximately half the staff members of the AHO. Department of Juvenile Justice The Department of Juvenile Justice has surpassed the 2% Aboriginal employment goals with 5.9% of staff being Aboriginal employees. The Department is currently focusing on the recruitment, training, and career progression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the department. Local Government Aboriginal Mentioning Program Since its inception in 1997, the Aboriginal Mentioning Program, has had twelve councils participate in the program. The program aims to increase Aboriginal representation in local government, by giving Aboriginal community members, through a mentor within council, a greater insight into local government and to encourage more Aboriginal people to run for office at the elections in 1999. It is proposed to review the program in 1999. The program also provides the community with an opportunity to learn more about the local government process and the importance of an Aboriginal voice in local government. The Councils that are currently participating in the program include Kyogle Shire Council, Maclean Shire Council, Moree Plains Shire Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Leichhardt Municipal Council, Seven Shire Council, Gosford City Council. Marrickville, Randwick, Eurobodalla, Cessnock and Port Stephens councils have been endorsed the program and are in the process of selecting mentors and candidates. The Department has also commenced an evaluation of the Mentoring Program to be completed by March 2000. The evaluation will involve interviews with program participants and participating councils. The Department in partnership with the Department of Education and Training initiated the Local Government Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Program in May 1998. This program funds local councils on a sliding scale to employ Aboriginal people in vacant or new positions. Two major pre-requisites to funding are the development of Career Pathways for the employees and a guarantee of permanency of the position after the three year funding assistance ceases. The Department has created a temporary position to assist in the implementation and monitoring of the Program. The Department is also reviewing EEO Provisions within Council Reporting and is proposing Councils report on EEO and Employment within council. National Parks and Wildlife Service The National Parks and Wildlife Service Aboriginal Employment and Training Plan was launched by the Minister in 1991, at which time approximately 21 staff, 2% of all permanent NPWS employees, were Aboriginal staff. Achievements arising from the implementation of the plan in the area of Aboriginal employment have included:
Department of Public Works and Services A key role of the ATSI Employment Officer is the development and implementation of an ATSI Recruitment and Career Development Strategy. Part of this strategy will be the development of support mechanisms such as the Induction Program and Mentor Program, as well as the development of opportunities and strategies for career development. In addition to the above initiative, DPWS continues to support and promote Merrima Aboriginal Design Unit, employing three Indigenous designers. Merrima is currently involved in developing culturally appropriate design solutions for a number of projects including Wilcannia Hospital, Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern and Acmena and Northern Rivers Juvenile Justice Centre. Department of State and Regional Development NSW Fisheries NSW Fisheries is preparing the development of an Aboriginal Employment Strategy. The Employment Strategy will be implemented through the Department’s Equal Employment Opportunity committee and the Aboriginal Employees Support Network. The outcomes or targets of this initiative include:
The timeframe for the Strategy is 1999 to 2000. Department for Women The Department for Women has five positions targeted specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. This is 10% of the Department’s total establishment. The Premier’s Council for Women has 14 individual members, two of whom are Indigenous women. One of these women is rural based with extensive committee experience and expertise in employment, health and domestic violence within Aboriginal communities. The other has expertise and qualifications in law and an understanding of education, training and employment issues. The Council also has a Policy Officer position filled by an Indigenous woman working on Indigenous issues. |
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