I am pleased to present the fourth Report under the SDRF, demonstrating DPC’s commitment to embedding principles of self-determination into core business and enabling self-determination through systemic and structural transformation.
I would like to thank the former Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Gabrielle Williams MP, for her work advancing self-determination in Victoria. Importantly, I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing strength and advocacy of First Peoples communities and leaders, upon which our work to enable self-determination sits.
In November 2023, Cabinet endorsed the extension of the VAAF to 30 June 2025. The SDRF’s position within the VAAF architecture means that it is also extended to 30 June 2025. This ensures Government’s future work under the SDRF will maintain momentum, while also providing time for the next governance frameworks to be self-determined and aligned with Treaty.
Treaty in Victoria is the embodiment of self-determination and the primary vehicle to negotiate the transfer of power and resources so that First Peoples can control matters which impact their lives. The SDRF complements this work by enabling First Peoples to hold government to account by committing departments to report on their self-determination reform actions and require critical reflection, collaboration and innovation.
DPC continues to strive for progress along the self-determination continuum, growing its level of ambition each year. This is why the 2023 SDRF Report builds on existing self-determination commitments with new, more targeted actions. While these commitments have resulted in a better balance of responsibility across branches for delivering on action, modest progress demonstrates a clear need to move beyond business-as-usual approaches and look deeper into the way systems, the department and public servants work to see real transformation.
Of the 24 self-determination actions that were reported on for 2023, 18 are ongoing, 5 are in progress, and 1 is delayed. Key actions are being progressed to strengthen DPC’s Aboriginal workforce, increase understanding of self-determination across the department, embed culturally safe practices and improve data sharing.
While it is an exciting time for self-determination reform in Victoria, with Treaty negotiations commencing this year and the Yoorrook Justice Commission undertaking a line of inquiry into land injustice, we must acknowledge the wide-ranging impacts on the First Peoples community in Victoria in the wake of the Commonwealth Voice Referendum campaign. Victoria remains committed to working in partnership with First Peoples to deliver a Treaty and truth process that achieves meaningful outcomes for First Peoples.
Through this work, we have an opportunity to reframe our relationship with First Peoples in Victoria through transforming our way of working to truly deliver on self-determination reform.
Jeremi Moule
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
Updated