Public statement: Being brave and making change this National Reconciliation Week

We are dedicated to ensuring that reconciliation is a priority across our work.

We recognise 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.

Our Aboriginal Community Partnership Principles drive us to ensure our work is led and informed by First Nations’ voices and perspectives.

This includes embedding self-determination in our work, creating meaningful partnership and consultation on issues that matter. It is an opportunity to strengthen our relationships of trust and transparency, provide culturally safe services, and raise the distinct voices of First Nations people in Victoria.

We have culturally safe and inclusive experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when they contact us. We embrace self-determination and enable individuals to feel empowered and have an equitable voice.

We are committed to reducing racial discrimination and protecting cultural rights and equality for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria.

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and marks two important milestones in the reconciliation journey.

1. the successful 1967 referendum counting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the population
2. the High Court Mabo decision are important decisions in the journey of reconciliation.

Recognising the need for reconciliation is just one step towards further strengthening our relationships in Australia. It is an opportunity for reflection and unity, celebrating the long history, achievements, shared culture, and futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.