Government action to enable self-determination acknowledges that First Peoples hold the knowledge and expertise about what is best for themselves, their families and their communities.
Victoria’s historic commitment to and implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – Voice, Treaty, Truth – demands that Government go beyond previous approaches to advancing Aboriginal self-determination. This includes embedding self-determination principles into core business, as well as enabling self-determination through systemic and structural transformation.
Treaty in Victoria is the embodiment of Aboriginal self-determination. It is the mechanism through which power and resources will be transferred, First Peoples can pursue their aspirations, and design and deliver their own solutions. The Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) is leading Treaty negotiations for the State, working with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria as the presumptive representative body for all First Peoples in Victoria on the Treaty process.
The ability for First Peoples to hold government to account is a critical element of self-determination reform. The SDRF is an important accountability tool which commits departments to report on their self-determination reform actions and requires regular reflection, collaboration and innovation.
This purpose of the 2022 DPC SDRF Report (Report) is to reflect on efforts to embed self-determination in core business, outline progress to date and consider new ways to deliver on our commitments in 2023.
DPC continues to focus on internal transformation across the public sector reform domains of people, systems, outcomes and accountability. Key actions are being progressed to strengthen DPC’s Aboriginal workforce, increase procurement from Victorian Aboriginal businesses, and to improve data sharing to inform decision-making. Of the twenty-six self-determination actions that were established by DPC groups for 2022, 1 is complete, 9 are in progress, 14 are ongoing and 1 is delayed.
I recognise that DPC’s progress to date has been modest. Many of our SDRF commitments either reflect day-to-day activities or are dependent on longer-term projects that extend beyond 2022. DPC has identified that the lack of established metrics for these actions has hindered our ability to measure progress. This highlights the need for more ambitious, measurable actions to ensure efforts are escalated and momentum is maintained.
As a central agency, DPC has a responsibility to be a leader in this space. This Report steps out new and bold actions that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely, for implementation from January 2023. The Board of Management Subcommittee on Self-Determination Reform (BOMSC), established in 2022, will play a key role in supporting all DPC work areas to deliver on their commitments and critically reflect on any barriers.
As we look towards the commencement of Treaty negotiations, I look forward to DPC’s collective efforts in advancing self-determination, transforming our way of working and committing to continual improvement.
Jeremi Moule
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
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