Key achievements for this domain include:
- Early engagement with FSPR in Stage 1 of the Budget Process, to identify budget bids with self-determination elements.
- Drafted Victoria's first statewide Anti-Racism Strategy.
A number of systems commitments were delivered through the day-to-day work of the department, such as ongoing policy liaison advice and adopting a self-determination lens to processes such as budget and legal. Whilst important, these actions are business-as-usual and demonstrate a need to target new and different systems for true transformation.
Some actions in this domain report limited impact for First Peoples, highlighting the need for more targeted and transformational reform.
2.2.1 DPC actions to leverage existing structures to enable self-determination
Commitment Promote early engagement with Traditional Owners in the naming of any new infrastructure overseen by EPSP branches using governance forums and briefing processes Responsible DPC Group EPSP Status Ongoing Enablers Prioritise Culture Intended outcomes - Increase focus on embedding early engagement as part of any infrastructure decision making process.
Progress
- No decisions have been made for new infrastructure in Victoria.
- FPSR have been consulted and liaised with in all Cabinet and Committee briefing advice for existing infrastructure projects.
Barriers and mitigation strategy
- A key barrier to this action is that Victoria's infrastructure pipeline is stabilising, with most projects in delivery and less new projects being announced.
- To ensure the opportunities that do come up are maximised, EPSP will continue to engage proactively with FPSR, leaving ample time for input before the project/proposal comes to Cabinet for a decision.
Next steps in 2024
- Continue collaboration between EPSP and FPSR.
Commitment Ensure all economic policy advice includes self-determination considerations by delivering training and/or resources to policy teams Responsible DPC Group EPSP Status Ongoing Enablers Transfer power and resources to communities Intended outcomes - Increased embedding of self-determination considerations in budget training and processes run by EPSP and all economic policy advice prepared.
Progress
- In the 2024-25 Stage 1 Budget Process, the Budget Coordination Team in ESB and relevant DPC Shadow Branches were required to identify budget bids with self-determination elements. FPSR reviewed these and provided input into DPC positions, before DPC advice was finalised.
- The Budget Coordination Team also engaged with FPSR as part of Stage 2 of the budget process to seek input. This involves delivering training and resources to analysts to build knowledge and capability across the department.
- As part of the budget review processes, the Budget Coordination Team will seek feedback on how to improve the identification of bids which included self-determination considerations and how FPSR positions are reflected in briefing positions.
Barriers and mitigation strategy
- The key risk to this action is timing, noting that during the yearly budget briefing period (Feb - April) teams are busy and have limited time to upskill.
- This will be mitigated by ensuring that training occurs at the end of each calendar year, so that officers have the time to meaningfully participate and then apply their learnings to the next budget process.
Next steps in 2024
- EPSP intend to continue with the current approach, which includes registering staff across the division for Aboriginal cultural safety and self-determination training, including the upcoming series commencing in March 2024.
- EPSP branches will also continue to seek out guest speakers to present to them on self-determination in an aspect that links to their respective policy areas (for example, land justice).
Commitment Incorporate self-determination considerations, where appropriate and relevant, when providing legal advice to lead policy and law reform branches in DPC. For example, OGC to be conscious of self-determination principles when reviewing documents such as funding agreements involving Aboriginal Victorians. Responsible DPC Group CLG Status Ongoing Enablers Transfer power and resources to communities Intended outcomes - Increased focus on embedding self-determination principles in funding agreements, for example, in recognition that First Peoples, not the department, are best placed to make decisions about the funding granted to them.
Progress
- OGC prepared draft internal training slides in 2023.
- The training will be scheduled in 2024 during OGC Huddles as part of business-as-usual work.
Barriers and mitigation strategy
- The key risk to this action is timing and capacity.
- This will be mitigated by ensuring that training occurs when OGC capacity is not limited (avoiding budget time, parliamentary sitting and end-of-financial year).
Next steps in 2024
- Roll out the training and document instances where appropriate when OGC has actively considered self-determination when providing advice.
2.2.2 DPC actions to begin fundamentally transforming systems
Commitment Support the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to ensure that the experiences and voices of First Peoples contribute to the development of anti-racism initiatives Responsible DPC Group FPSR Status In progress Enablers Address racism and promote cultural safety Intended outcomes - Address racism against First Peoples through government-led anti-racism initiatives.
Progress
- Drafting of Victoria's first statewide Anti-Racism Strategy has progressed in consultation with the Anti-Racism Taskforce.
- A whole-of-government budget bid is being developed for consideration in the 2024–25 State Budget cycle. The bid will seek funding for unfunded flagship initiatives.
- Anti-Racism Strategy initiatives included in the budget bid were developed in consultation with the Anti-Racism Taskforce and relevant Victorian Government departments.
Barriers and mitigation strategy
- Machinery of Government changes since the new Victorian Premier has meant that responsibility for this work shifted from DFFH to DPC
- Changes in Taskforce composition has meant a shifting level of First Peoples’ representation and input into the Strategy’s development.
- Previous feedback on the Strategy from First Peoples stakeholders is that does not sufficiently recognise or address their unique experiences of racism in the context of colonisation. First Peoples stakeholders have highlighted the need for a separate First Peoples-specific anti-racism strategy.
Next steps in 2024
- DPC will seek to appoint a new First Peoples representative to the Taskforce and engage an external independent First Peoples review of the Strategy.
- DPC plans to finalise the Strategy and work towards a public launch in late 2024. The Strategy’s release will be supported by a detailed communications plan, to be developed by DPC.
- Pending the outcome of the 2024-25 State Budget bid, DPC will continue to work with the Taskforce and relevant line agencies to identify how funded actions under the Strategy can be targeted to address racism experienced by First Peoples.
- DPC will coordinate efforts across government to commence implementation of actions.
Commitment Use the DPC Board of Management’s Subcommittee on Self-Determination Reform to progress areas of work committed through this Report and identify further areas are progressing, and accountable to, their actions under the SDRF Responsible DPC Group FPSR Status Ongoing Enablers Prioritise culture; Transfer power and resources to communities Intended outcomes - Support department-wide prioritisation of self-determination reform initiatives at the executive level.
Progress
- FPSR utilise the BOMSC as an interactive touchpoint throughout the year to encourage accountability across all groups for progressing SDRF commitments.
- The last BOMSC meeting was held on 24 October 2023 which produced the following outcomes:
- Endorsed a refreshed BOMSC Terms of Reference and forward work plan
- Reviewed the current state of DPC’s First Peoples’ workforce and considered interest in participating in the Aboriginal Scholarship Program or to nominate for an Aboriginal trainee or graduate
- Raised the need for whole of department actions to improve measures across each of the committee member’s respective domains.
Barriers and mitigation strategy
- There was limited opportunity to utilise the BOMSC with only one meeting held in 2023.
- BOMSC is set to meet in 2024.
Next steps in 2024
- Continue to use the BOMSC to progress work committed to in this Report and identify further areas for reform across DPC.
Commitment Continue to support the implementation of the Diversity on Victorian Government Boards Guidelines to ensure Aboriginal Victorians are represented on both ‘mainstream’ boards and those with specific mandates for Treaty and First Peoples, given all areas of policy impact Aboriginal Victorians. Responsible DPC Group CLG Status Ongoing Enablers Address racism and promote cultural safety; Transfer power and resources to communities Intended outcomes - Support the transfer of power to First Peoples by promoting their involvement on government boards.
Progress
- Updated Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines that clarify the Diversity on Boards Requirements were issued in October 2023.
- VPSC received funding to deliver initiatives to support the recruitment of people from diverse backgrounds to Victorian Government boards. This includes capacity building training and resources to facilitate inclusive Victorian Government board culture.
Barriers and mitigation strategy
- Some portfolios report finding it difficult to attract suitable First Peoples candidates. Governance Branch is encouraging board recruiters to contact FPSR earlier in the process to use more culturally appropriate ways to advertise roles.
- The Diversity on Boards project received funding for board training, but not to continue to support an ongoing project team within DPC. In addition, the Governance Branch is available to respond to queries on interpretation and application of the Diversity on Boards Guidelines.
Next steps in 2024
- Continue to support this critical piece of work to ensure First Peoples are represented on both mainstream boards and those with specific mandates for the Treaty and First Peoples portfolio, given all areas of policy impact First Peoples in Victoria.
Commitment Ensure the Victorian Government is meeting its data sharing obligations and priority data development commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) Responsible DPC Group FPSR Status Ongoing Enablers Address racism and promote cultural safety; Transfer power and resources to communities Intended outcomes - Supporting access to data for First Peoples.
Progress
- In June 2023, Joint Council endorsed Victoria’s nomination of Gippsland as the location for a combined Community Data Project and Place-based Partnership which will enable First Peoples communities and organisations to access and use location-specific data. This followed the Partnership Forum’s endorsement of Gippsland at its April 2023 meeting, with local ACCOs identifying Gippsland as a region with high demand for early childhood, child protection and justice services. The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is leading the development of a detailed project proposal for consideration by the Partnership Forum in 2024, to inform a 2025-26 State Budget submission.
- DPC continues working collaboratively with other jurisdictions and the Coalition of Peaks to implement the national Data Development Plan to ensure that each socioeconomic outcome has a richer array of high-quality data sources over the life of the National Agreement.
- Working with the Yoorrook Justice Commission (Commission) to respond to its recommendation to progress legislative reforms to uphold First Peoples’ choices regarding the treatment of their evidence provided to the Commission.
Barriers and mitigation strategy
- Historical government data policies and practices have created barriers to ethical access and use of Aboriginal data and limited progress towards Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Delays to the establishment of community data project and lack of resources for data development activities.
- DPC is responding to findings in relation to Priority Reform Four in the Productivity Commission’s Review of the National Agreement. There is ongoing engagement with other Parties to the National Agreement to progress Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles, build capability and increase Aboriginal control of data.
- The treatment of Royal Commission records post-inquiry is governed by multiple pieces of legislation, including the Inquiries Act 2014, the Public Records Act 1973 and the Freedom of Information Act 1982. DPC is consulting widely to ensure that a workable solution can be agreed to that aligns with Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles.s.
Next steps in 2024
- Establish a funding agreement with VACCA to commence work to bring together the local Aboriginal community, government, services and key stakeholders to identify the aspirations and outcomes they want to achieve in the design of the Community Data Project.
- Consider and implement recommendations related to data from Productivity Commission's 2023 Review of the National Agreement and the external review of the method for assessing progress against targets.
- Work with relevant stakeholders, including the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Public Record Office Victoria and the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner, to progress legislative changes in accordance with First Peoples’ preferences and the recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission..
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