Local Government - Aboriginal Partnership Project
The Local Government - Aboriginal Partnership Project (LGAPP) is underway.
The Project was announced by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government Jeanette Powell on 23 June 2011.
It responds to calls from Aboriginal Victorians and local governments to focus on strengthening relationships and build on the good work that is already happening around the State.
Local governments are well placed to work with Aboriginal communities to drive positive change in areas such as employment and economic development, health and wellbeing, recognition and respect, civic participation, access to land and protection of cultural heritage.
This Project is working to ensure:
- there are effective partnerships between Aboriginal Victorians and local government,
- more Aboriginal people are employed in local government,
- local government purchase goods and services from Aboriginal businesses,
- Aboriginal people and businesses are a valued part of the local and regional economy,
- local governments take pride in local Aboriginal culture and heritage and support the special place Traditional Owners hold in their community and in caring for country,
- local governments actively support reconciliation,
- local governments' planning, policy and programs reflect the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal communities,
- Aboriginal people feel comfortable and welcome using council services,
- the three levels of government strengthen co-ordination around Aboriginal outcomes.
The Project has brought together a partnership of Aboriginal people, the Municipal Association of Victoria, the Victorian Local Governance Association, Local Government Professionals, Reconciliation Victoria and all three levels of government. A steering committee is leading and shaping the project.
Ongoing input from Aboriginal Victorians and local governments is crucial in the development and successful implementation of this Project.
Aboriginal Victorians are invited to attend an upcoming community forum to discuss the Project:
Or to respond to the consultation paper (Word 30 KB) by Friday 23 November 2012.
The Victorian Local Government Engagement & Reconciliation Survey 2012 was commissioned to inform this Project. It demonstrates positive progress in the relationship between local governments and Aboriginal Victorians over the last decade and also highlights significant future opportunities.
The Reconciliation in Local Government Action Research Project produced by Reconciliation Victoria also provides recent insight into the relationship between Aborginal Victorians and local governments.
To get involved or to find out more about this Project, please contact the Secretariat to the Local Government – Aboriginal Partnership Project, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria by calling (03) 9208 3271, or email Nora van Waarden.
Local Government - Aboriginal Partnership Project Steering Committee
Members of the Steering Committee for the Local Government – Aboriginal Partnership Project:
- Corinne Young (Co-Chair), Acting Executive Director, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria
- John Watson (Co-Chair), Executive Director, Local Government Victoria
- Rob Spence, CEO, Municipal Association of Victoria
- Maree McPherson, CEO, Victorian Local Governance Association
- David Preiss, CEO, Local Government Professionals
- Keith Gove, Co-Chair, Reconciliation Victoria
- Karen Milward, Consultant
- Denise Lovett, Chair, Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council
- State Coordinator, Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council
- Dr Andi Diamond, CEO, City of Monash
- lvan Gilbert, Acting CEO, City of Yarra
- Paul Buckley, CEO, Latrobe City Council
- Cr Geoff Dobson, Councillor, Greater Shepparton City Council
- Cr Ken Saunders, Councillor, Glenelg Shire Council
- Rebecca Lannen, Manager, Indigenous Co-ordination Centre, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs
Local Government Aboriginal Partnership Project - Draft Statewide Principles
- Local government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the area, and recognises, values and respects the ongoing cultural rights and responsibilities of Traditional Owners over their traditional country.
-
Local government recognises the unique and significant contribution made by Aboriginal people* and organisations to the local community and to Australia’s identity.
-
Local government acknowledges the need to strengthen the voice of Aboriginal people in local decision making and the fundamental right of Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal community members including young people to engage about the matters that are important to their communities.
-
Local government recognises the respected role of Elders and the important leadership role they have in guiding current and future generations of Aboriginal communities.
-
Local government acknowledges that protection and conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage is important for all Victorians.
-
Local government acknowledges the need to create culturally safe and respectful environments and provide services in a way that demonstrates cultural understanding and ensures Aboriginal people feel respected and welcome.
-
Local government acknowledges that Aboriginal health is holistic and that it encompasses the physical, social, emotional, spiritual and cultural wellbeing of individuals and the whole community+.
-
Local government will actively work with Aboriginal people to respond to and address racism where it occurs to ensure that the cultural values and human rights of Aboriginal people are respected.
-
Local government acknowledges the significant contribution to economic development that is provided by the unique skills of people within the Aboriginal community. It will partner with local Aboriginal people to create opportunities for employment and support local economic participation of Aboriginal businesses.
* the term Aboriginal people is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
+the Aboriginal health principle reflects the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation’s statement on health.