Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reporting

CMTEDD delivered a range of programs, projects and initiatives to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans including:

  • developed and launched the CMTEDD Reconciliation Action Plan 2017-19. This document will guide the directorate’s approach to creating a more culturally inclusive workforce and improving the outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans;
  • revised the ACTPS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Employment Framework and supported the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for employment and economic independence through:
    • sponsorship of the ACT NAIDOC Business of the Year Award at the annual ACT NAIDOC Awards;
    • funding for shaping supported pathways into existing programs and activities that foster entrepreneurship;
    • monitoring outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees and apprentices;
    • promoting leadership and training opportunities to current ACTPS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employers and employees;
    • continuing development and implementation of the Access and Equity in Vocational Education and Training Strategic Framework and Action Plan;
    • exploring innovative employment and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers in the health industry;
    • examining the potential contribution of Vocational Education and Training to enhance attraction and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in the disability support services and allied health sectors; and
    • identifying robust measures of the effectiveness and efficiency of the ACT Vocational Education and Training system in improving economic and social inclusion, and employment outcomes;
  • worked closely with the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and the Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to build capacity in the Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve including developing new and diverse tourism products;
  • delivered an inclusive calendar of events for the diverse Canberra community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, that have featured Welcome to Country, smoking ceremonies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performances and activities;
  • continued to progress work in line with arrangements agreed by the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and an appointed Interim Advisory Group to establish a vision to secure the long term future of Boomanulla Oval under Indigenous management;
  • completed a consultation process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts engagement strategy;
  • delivered the sport and recreation component of the Federal Indigenous Advancement Strategy grants, providing direct support and strategic assistance to the ongoing delivery of physical activity opportunities for the local Indigenous community; and
  • continued to provide support to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations through the provision of property at a subsidised rental rate, including Gugan Gulwan in Wanniassa, Winnunga Nimmityjah at Fyshwick and at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre in Acton.

Additionally the directorate:

  • displayed the Australian Flag, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags and ACT Flag in the Canberra Nara Centre, Winyu House, Cosmopolitan Building and the National Arboretum as a physical representation of the directorate’s commitment to reconciliation;
  • delivered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness training;
  • piloted the ACTPS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traineeship Program; and
  • used Habitat Personnel, a specialised agency, to provide interview panel members some guidance when recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background candidates.