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About this Report

This Report focuses on the department’s progress toward embedding the VAAF self-determination enablers, aim to measure where on the VAAF self-determination continuum our actions are landing and invoke reflection on how to move further along that spectrum.

This year, the Report demonstrates some progress from across DPC’s five groups. Key achievements include:

  • Facilitated work to embed self-determination through budget, legal and Cabinet processes
  • Released state and sub-state data on the VAAF data dashboard
  • Drafted Victoria's first statewide Anti-Racism Strategy
  • Coordinated responses to and engagement with the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Resourcing and capacity restraints are common barriers to completing actions reported by groups. Opportunities to help groups progress further include undertaking evaluations and honing targeted actions to ensure intended outcomes are met.

Overall, the Report shows mixed progress towards implementing self-determination commitments. While some groups have embedded actions into business-as-usual, there is potential for more focused efforts and strategy.

VAAF self-determination continuum

  • Download 'VAAF self-determination continuum'

DPC acknowledges that significant transformation is required to overcome the legacy of colonisation and dispossession. We must challenge existing ways of working to strive towards transferring decision-making control to First Peoples on the matters that affect their lives. The Board of Management Self-Determination Subcommittee (BOMSC) remains an important mechanism to this effect, providing opportunities for DPC to focus attention on planning to achieve structural change in line with the SDRF.

DPC’s First Peoples workforce

DPC is not on track to meet the Barring Djinang First Peoples employment target of 2% for the Victorian Public Service. As at 21 August 2023, DPC’s workforce data indicated that 19 DPC staff identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This is a reduction of 17% since 17 June 2022, where 23 DPC staff identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. All 19 of these staff are employed in FPSR.

While the Aboriginal Staff Network continues to play an important role in supporting First Peoples staff, there is a significant need for DPC to increase the representation of First Peoples in DPC and across the VPS, while also improving the quality of the workplace and experiences of current and future First Peoples staff. This will in turn, build the capacity of the VPS to enable self-determination in all policies and programs.

Updated

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