Reconciliation Action Plan 2013-2015

2013 Annual Progress Report

December 2013

1

Relationships
The Department of Environment (the Department) has a unique role to protect Australia’s environment and heritage and to promote a sustainable way of life. The Department recognises the valuable and significant contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through their connection with and responsibility for land, water and culture. Working together with a positive shared purpose achieves both our business outcomes and fulfils Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultural aspirations.
Focus area: / 2013 Progress
Action / Responsibility / Timeline / Measurable Target
Engage a Department Executive to champion the RAP. / Executive Board / 2013-15 / A member of the Executive continues to champion the RAP to:
  • provide strategic direction, support and encouragement to the development and implementation of the RAP;
  • give high level commitment to the RAP and the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap initiative;
  • create awareness in mainstream programme areas of the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples so that mainstream programmes are more relevant, accessible and responsive;
  • encourage staff involvement in the RAP and promote cultural events including NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Weeks; and
  • promote engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
/
  • Dr Kimberley Dripps, Deputy Secretary is the RAP Champion.
  • All staff emails sent promoting RAP, NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Weeks.
  • Dr Dripps championed papers to the Executive Board, hosted the NAIDOC week launch event, promoted and launched the Department’s RAP 2013-2015, and co-presented the Caring for our Country award at the National NAIDOC Ball.
  • Dr Dripps also provides support to the Indigenous Staff Network and mentors the Canberra based Indigenous Staff Network Executive.
  • Dr Dripps will also promote the Indigenous Engagement Guidelines (IEG) for use by Departmental staff.

Convene and support the Department’s RAP Steering Committee (SC) and RAP Working Group (WG) to promote the development and implementation of the RAP.
Both committees are comprised of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and non-Indigenous staff.
The RAP SC also provides an ongoing forum for Indigenous policy issues across the Department. / RAP SC and Secretariat / 2013-2015 / The RAP SC:
  • will meet at least twice per year on the RAP development, implementation and provide timely reporting;
  • reports annually to the Department’s Executive Board; and
  • delivers an annual progress report on RAP achievements.
  1. The RAP WG:
  • supports the operations of the RAP SC; and
  • will meet at least twice per year to undertake work under the direction of the RAP SC.
/
  • Two RAP Steering Committee meetings held in 2013.
  • RAP Working Group meeting held July 2013.
  • RAP 2013 Annual progress report was developed by the RAP Working Group under the direction of the RAP Steering Committee.

Host and deliver National Reconciliation Week events.
National Reconciliation Week is a week for all Australians to explore reconciliation and learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.
Events will be hosted annually on a rotating basis providing an opportunity for mainstream areas to deepen their understanding and commitment to building mutually respectful relationships. / Hosting division (on rotating basis) assisted by Indigenous Engagement Section Indigenous Staff Network and Public Affairs / 27 May–3 June annually / The Department will host National Reconciliation Week events organised by a host division on an annual rotating basis.
The host division develops and promotes a calendar of local events to encourage employees to attend community National Reconciliation Week events as well as Departmental events.
Allocate corporate funding of $25,000 per annum for NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week events. The Department offices outside Canberra are allocated funding from this budget. /
  • 2013 National Reconciliation Week events held nationally.
  • Sustainability, Policy and Analysis Division and Environment Assessment and Compliance Division jointly hosted the 2013 events.
  • Tours organised to attend community National Reconciliation Week events.
  • Corporate funding provided for the 2013 events and activities.

Deliver and host NAIDOC week events.
NAIDOC week is the key event of significance for the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
NAIDOC week is an opportunity for all Australians to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in various fields.
Department wide NAIDOC week events will be hosted annually by divisions on a rotating basis providing an opportunity for mainstream areas to deepen their understanding and commitment to building mutually respectful relationships. / Hosting division (on rotating basis) assisted by Indigenous Engagement Section, Indigenous Staff Network and Public Affairs
Secretary’s Office and Indigenous Staff Network
Parks Australia Division
Department
Indigenous Engagement Section / July annually
July 2013 / The Department will host NAIDOC week events organised by a host division on an annual rotating basis.
Allocate corporate funding of $25,000 per annum for NAIDOC week and National Reconciliation Week events. The Department’s offices outside Canberra are allocated funding from the budget.
Host division develops and promotes a calendar of NAIDOC week events across the department (including promoting national, regional and local events).
Two NAIDOC Awards for staff contributions towards outcomes in Indigenous programmes, policy or other initiatives that have significantly benefited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (including mainstream programmes).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in jointly managed national parks are supported by their managers to access entitlements to participate in NAIDOC ceremonies in their communities as normal working duties.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff access their entitlement to attend non-Departmental sponsored NAIDOC activities with the support of their delegate.
Develop guidelines for host divisions to understand their roles and responsibilities in hosting NAIDOC week and National Reconciliation Week events. /
  • 2013 NAIDOC week events held nationally.
  • Sustainability, Policy and Analysis Division and Environment Assessment and Compliance Division jointly hosted the 2013 events.
  • Corporate funding provided for the 2013 events and activities including regional events.
  • NAIDOC Awards presented.
  • Host division guidelines developed. Implemented and evaluated by the 2013 host divisions.
  • Deputy Secretary and Indigenous Advisory Committee Chair presented the Caring for our Country award at the 2013 National NAIDOC week Ball.
  • National, regional and local NAIDOC week events were organised including art competition, seminars, performances, tours, games and celebratory luncheon.
  • For the first time the Department jointly hosted the NAIDOC week launch with the Department of Finance and Deregulation.
  • NAIDOC week celebrations and activities undertaken on each park and in the Darwin office, very successful with large numbers of staff and park visitors participating
  • During NAIDOC week 2013, Australian Antarctic Division held a flag raising ceremony and indigenous presentation (by Tom Smith of the Department. Tom presented a painted canoe paddle for display in the expedition vessel ‘Aurora Australis’.
  • Darwin Office - SSD and Parks Darwin hosted NAIDOC celebrations on site, including traditional art activity to create a ‘Celebrating NAIDOC week’ banner, bush tucker lunch, lunchtime short- movie screenings on aboriginal culture, exhibition of information on Wake Hill walk off and Koongarra hand back that are still displayed within the office environment.

Strengthen the relationship with the Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC).
The IAC is a Ministerially appointed group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. IAC members have expertise in Indigenous land management, conservation and cultural heritage management.
The IAC advises the Minister and Department on better access to and engagement with our programmes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The IAC’s key priority areas are linked to the Department’s commitment to the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap initiative.
The Indigenous Engagement Section provides secretariat support for the IAC. / Executive, Secretariat and all divisions
Public Affairs
Indigenous Engagement Section / Annually
2013-15
December annually
March 2013
2013-15 / The department’s Executive meet with the IAC at their annual committee meeting held in Canberra.
The IAC Secretariat coordinates meetings between divisions, relevant policy and programme areas and IAC members to seek advice on Indigenous issues as they relate to the role of the Department.
The IAC was consulted in the development of this RAP and will be provided a copy of the annual RAP progress report.
Raise the awareness about the IAC and its role through
  • publishing a fact sheet; and
  • regularly update the IAC webpage with information on the Committee’s work.
Continue to fund the IAC to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to better inform the Minister and the Department of Indigenous engagement and outcomes in regard to issues within this portfolio. /
  • The 26th Meeting of the IAC was held in Darwin on 24-25 May 2013. The IAC met with the Secretary and other departmental executive to discuss key policy issues and Indigenous engagement.
  • On 14 August 2013 the Secretariat coordinated a full day of meetings for the IAC Chair with the Secretary, departmental executive and line areas to progress key issues including improved Indigenous engagement under the EPBC Act and the Environmental Offsets Policy.
  • On 29 August 2013 the IAC Chair met with officers from Strategic Approaches Branch, Programme Delivery and Assessment Branch, Protected Species and Communities Branch, Indigenous Policy and Programmes Branch and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to discuss turtle and dugong protection.
  • On 18 September 2013 the IAC Secretariat facilitated a one day workshop in Canberra for an IAC working group to finalise a number of long standing policy issues.
  • The Bulletin from 26th IAC meeting is on the IAC website.
  • The 27th IAC Meeting was held in Canberra on 26-27 November 2013.
  • IAC Chair is a member of the IEG package Steering Committee.
  • In consultation with the IAC, James Barker, AS, Regulatory Reform Branch (EACD) agreed to progress the development of guidelines for improved Indigenous engagement under the EPBC Act.
  • Sustainability Policy and Analysis Division, specifically the National Environmental Research Programme (NERP), has a standing agenda item on the IAC Meeting Agenda
  • The five NERP Hubs provided updates on Indigenous Engagement for the IAC May 2013 meeting.

Establish the Indigenous Water Advisory Committee (IWAC).
The Water Reform Division (WRD) will provide the secretariat for the IWAC. / Water Reform Division / 2013-2015 / The IWAC is a new committee and will meet a minimum of twice per year.
The IWAC will provide advice to the Department and other Commonwealth water portfolio agencies (as required) on incorporating Indigenous views, beliefs and interests into the development and implementation of Commonwealth water policies and programmes. /
  • The IWAC was established by the Secretary in October 2012.
  • The IWAC has met three times since its establishment, twice in the 2013 calendar year.
  • The IWAC Chair meets regularly with FAS Water Reform Division and members have provided advice out of session as requested, and has agreed a strategic list of issues for their input.
  • The IWAC has provided advice to areas throughout the Water Group and Commonwealth portfolio agencies including the National Water Commission and the Bureau of Meteorology.

The Australian Heritage Council (AHC) is the principal adviser to the Australian Government on heritage matters. Its role is to promote identification, assessment, conservation and monitoring of heritage.
Two members of the AHC are Indigenous persons with substantial experience or expertise concerning Indigenous heritage.
Heritage and Wildlife Division provides the secretariat for the AHC.
The AHC liaises with IAC on relevant issues. / Heritage and Wildlife Division / 2013-2015 / When making an assessment, if the AHC considers a place might have Indigenous values it will take all practicable steps to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons with rights or interests in all or part of the place under assessment, will advise them of its assessment and give them an opportunity to comment.
The AHC will liaise with IAC at least once a year.
The AHC Secretariat will continue to build a relationship with the IAC secretariat to improve communication on relevant issues. /
  • This is a requirement under the EPBC Act (s324JH(5)).
  • Work is underway to establish a protocol for formal engagement between the Australian Heritage Committee and the IAC. This includes ensuring regular communication between the Secretariats. The protocol is expected to be concluded by late 2013.
  • Regular consultation and liaison is undertaken between IAC and AHC Secretariats.
  • Joint meeting of IAC and AHC provisionally scheduled for November 2013.

Strengthen existing connections with Reconciliation Australia. / RAP Secretariat / 2013-2015 / The RAP Secretariat will continue to build a relationship with Reconciliation Australia by:
  • consulting Reconciliation Australia on the development and reporting of the RAP;
  • participating in Reconciliation Australia’s Commonwealth departments RAP forums;
  • providing a link to the Reconciliation Australia website on the Department’s intranet; and
  • publish the Department’s RAP and the annual progress report on the Reconciliation Australia website.
/
  • Achieved.
  • Reconciliation Australia was invited to attend the Department’s NRW and NAIDOC week launch events.
  • Reconciliation Australia CEO, Leah Armstrong, spoke at the February 2013 RAP launch.
  • Secretariat staff attended the RAP forum and Showcase at Parliament House.
  • Meeting held during 2013 with RA.

Respect
Respecting and valuing the experiences, perspectives and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is fundamental to the Department building a diverse business and workplace culture. It ensures the Department’s programmes and policies are relevant, and accessible, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and communities.
Focus area: / 2013 Progress
Action / Responsibility / Timeline / Measurable Target
The Department will deliver an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ at significant meetings where a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony is not undertaken and develop an:
  • optional slide for presentations; and
  • optional tag line for staff emails.
/ Indigenous Engagement Section
Executive and all divisions / June 2013
reported in December annually / Protocols for an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ will be developed as part of the Department’s Indigenous Engagement Guidelines package.
An ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ will be delivered:
  • at significant external meeting and events when a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony is not undertaken; and
  • at significant internal meetings, including all-staff departmental meetings.
/ Acknowledgement of Country provided at:
  • Biodiversity Conservation Division meeting held 12 June 2013.
  • IAC meetings held in May and November 2013.
  • IWAC meetings held in February and August 2013.
  • Launch of the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Programme 29 July 2013.
  • At all AHC meetings.

The Department will coordinate a ‘Welcome to Country’ at significant internal and external forums and events. / Indigenous Engagement Section
Executive, all divisions and Indigenous Engagement Section / June 2013
reported in December annually / Protocols for a ‘Welcome to Country’ will be developed as part of the Department’s Indigenous Engagement Guidelines package.
Welcome to Country ceremonies will be performed at three departmental events per year (at least):
  • NAIDOC week;
  • National Reconciliation Week; and
  • Annual Senior Executive Staff Conference.
A ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony should also be performed when hosting meetings with high-level International delegations. / Welcome to Country held at:
  • NRW launch event
  • WIN conference
  • NAIDOC week event
  • SES conference
  • IAC meeting in Darwin
  • Indigenous Employees Conference April 2013
  • Darwin office – Supervising Scientist Division (SSD) NAIDOC week celebrations

Support staff to develop cultural awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and communities. / Corporate Strategies Division in consultation with the Indigenous Engagement Section and the Indigenous staff network
Corporate Strategies Division
Public Affairs / June 2013
June 2013
Annually
Dec 2014
March 2013 / Develop and agree to a definition of cultural competency.
Review and update the Department’s orientation programme to include relevant information on commitments under the RAP 2013-15; Indigenous Employment and Capability Strategy 2012-14; and the Indigenous Engagement Guidelines package.
Deliver at least five cultural awareness training sessions each year for staff.
The Department will participate in Jawun secondment programme (Jawun Indigenous Corporate Partnerships) through the Australian Public Service Commission.
Develop and maintain a fact sheet promoting the Department’s contribution to the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap initiative. /
  • Orientation programme is currently being updated with references and links to RAP and InDECS
  • Purchase of 40 Indigenous cultural competency online training licences for trial in various locations including the three joint managed parks.
  • Planning for procurement of between three to five Indigenous cultural competency workshops to commence in late 2013.
  • Jawun applicants sought but none received, most likely due to budget pressures.
  • SSD staff are required to complete an induction that provides information on working with local Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people in the Kakadu region. This includes an overview of the various associations in the region and their areas of responsibility.
  • SSD staff attend formal training courses (when available).
  • Diversity training was delivered to staff in Darwin in May 2013.

The Department will classify positions in Indigenous program areas as ‘identified’ positions. / All divisions / December 2014 / Selection criteria for positions in Indigenous policy and programme teams to include ‘identified criteria’. /
  • Managers to include ‘identified criteria’ in job descriptions as vacancies arise – the Recruitment Team assists.
  • Reminder to managers that identified positions are to be included on the job description template.
  • Indigenous Development Coordinator is currently reviewing the Identified Positions Policy.
  • All positions in jointly managed parks are ‘identified’. There are also 22 ‘specified’ positions for indigenous applicants only.