Aboriginal Community Engagement Strategy
Our Aboriginal Community Engagement Strategy 2020-22 shapes our work and connections with the First Nations community. Building on our first strategy – announced in 2015 – this strategy lays the foundation as we further improve how we engage and deliver services to First Nations peoples.
Why was this engagement strategy developed?
The Commission recognises the crucial role Victoria’s First Nations people have played in advancing human rights – from criminal justice reform to the nation’s first Treaty process.
With the 2020–2022 strategy, we continue our commitment to advancing their human rights by ensuring our services are culturally appropriate, tailored to their needs and accessible. The strategy also underscores a strong commitment to elevate First Nations voices and representation as well as support First Nations business and enterprise through our work.
In developing the strategy, we consulted with members of the First Nations community, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and other organisations working in the sector who helped us to better understand and identify issues important to First Nations peoples and how we can best meet community needs and expectations.
At the heart of our engagement strategy is our commitment to support members of the First Nations community to live their lives free from discrimination and inequality, and to ensure the human rights of First Nations peoples are protected from any violation.
What are its objectives and actions?
The 2020–22 strategy is guided by three key objectives: embedding cultural rights; demonstrating our commitment to self-determination in practice; and being accountable to the First Nations community.
To achieve these objectives, we have identified specific actions in each area which include:
- fast-tracking complaints by First Nations clients through our dispute resolution service
- establishing ‘warm’ referral policies with other organisations to fast-track enquiries from First Nations clients
- providing culturally appropriate services for First Nations clients
- establishing ‘partnership principles’ to guide our work with First Nations organisations and enhance community engagement.
The Aboriginal Community Engagement Strategy was developed a few years ago. The Commission has since updated our terminology to more respectful and inclusive language. This page reflects these updates, however, the document title and the resource itself does not. Please take this into consideration when reading and referencing.
