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ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement

Annual Report 2017

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Accessibility Statement

The ACT Government is committed to making its information, services, events and venues, as accessible as possible. If you have difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, such as large print or audio, please telephone 13 22 81.

If English is not your first language and you require a translating and interpreting service, please telephone Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

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For speak and listen users, please phone 1300 555 727 and ask for 132281. For more information on these services visit contact us through the National Relay Service: http://www.relayservice.gov.au

© Australian Capital Territory, Canberra 2017This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from Territory Records Office, ACT Government, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601.

Enquiries about this publication should be directed to:

The Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AffairsCommunity Services DirectorateGPO Box 158Canberra City, ACT 2601Phone (02) 6207 9784Website: www.communityservices.act.gov.au

Phone: Access Canberra 13 22 81

TerminologyThe ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement Annual Report 2017 provides outcome reporting, and describes ACT Government funded initiatives, for people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in the ACT. The ACT Government generally describes Australia’s first peoples as ‘Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander’ and in this report describes Australians of other backgrounds as ‘non-Indigenous’. This report also uses the terms ‘Indigenous’ when discussing data in text or in tables, when quoting other sources, specific program or policy titles, or third party data. The term ‘Indigenous’ is understood to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in the understanding that they are not a homogenous group.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The ACT Government acknowledges the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the Canberra region and that the region is also an important meeting place and significant to other Aboriginal groups. The ACT Government respects the continuing culture and the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to the life of this city and surrounding region.

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Contents

Contents........................................................................................................................................4

Minister’s message.........................................................................................................................6

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body message...........................................................7

Overview........................................................................................................................................8

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015–2018....................................................9

Governance and Accountability....................................................................................................11The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Subcommittee of the ACT Public Service Strategic Board.........................................................................................................................................................11

Reporting progress against the Agreement.....................................................................................12

Education.....................................................................................................................................15Building cultural awareness for a supportive learning environment...............................................15

“Mununja” the butterfly..................................................................................................................16

Ngunnawal Plant Use guide pilot program......................................................................................16

Yurauna Centre – ConnXtions Program...........................................................................................16

Kickstart My Career Through Culture program................................................................................17

Recognition of Traditional Custodians.............................................................................................19

Key Performance Indicators............................................................................................................20

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body.........................................................................................................21ACT Strategic Priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2018-2023.......................21

Health Service Delivery Partnerships...............................................................................................21

Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm (NBHF)............................................................................................22

Canberra Sexual Health Centre Youth Sexual Health Outreach Program........................................23


Feeling Safe..................................................................................................................................25Bail Trial...........................................................................................................................................25

ACT Corrections Service Extended Throughcare Program...............................................................25

NAIDOC Community Art Exhibition 2017.........................................................................................25

NAIDOC Alexander Maconochie Centre Family Day........................................................................25

Circle of Security program...............................................................................................................26

Aboriginal Women’s Yarning Circle.................................................................................................26

Culture and Land Management Program in ACT’s Prison................................................................26

Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-22...............................................................................26

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre...........................................................................................................27

ACT Policing.....................................................................................................................................27

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Housing............................................................................................................................................33


Employment and economic independence...................................................................................35ACT Public Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Employment Framework...........35

Improvement employment opportunities.......................................................................................36

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Businesses...........................................................36


Connecting the Community..........................................................................................................38Strong Families portal......................................................................................................................38

Growing Healthy Families................................................................................................................38

Family Group Conferencing pilot.....................................................................................................38

Over-representation of Children and Young People in care............................................................39

A Step Up for Our Kids.....................................................................................................................39

Child Development Service..............................................................................................................40

Connecting Community on the bus.................................................................................................40

Integrated Service Models...............................................................................................................41


Cultural Identity...........................................................................................................................43Reconciliation..................................................................................................................................43

NAIDOC Week..................................................................................................................................44

Aboriginal Waterways Assessments................................................................................................44

Grants..............................................................................................................................................45

Youth Advisory Council....................................................................................................................45

Opening Doors and the National Disability Insurance Scheme........................................................45


Leadership....................................................................................................................................47Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Representation.....................................................47

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body..........................................................................47

United Ngunnawal Elders Council....................................................................................................48


Appendix A: References................................................................................................................50ACT Government.............................................................................................................................50

Australian Government...................................................................................................................50

Other...............................................................................................................................................50

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Minister’s message

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2017 Annual Report on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-18.

This report highlights programs, initiatives and key performance data on the ACT’s progress on improving outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This is the second report of the Whole of Government Agreement and the first to reflect the new Outcomes Framework. The Outcomes Framework is designed to unify government resources and effort and also improve accountability and performance through transparency of performance indicators and measures.

This year has been a year of change within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Elections for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body were held in July with a record number of candidates and a record number of people casting a vote. New representatives took up their positions from July 2017.

I would like to thank the outgoing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body members for their contribution to the vibrancy and voice of the community and their advocacy into government.

There has been movement in the national agenda with significant work being put into the development of a new Closing the Gap framework built on a strengths-based approach. While still in consultation we are hopeful that this will signal a commitment to developing solutions together with the community.

The current Agreement continues until 2018 and we are keen to commence engagement with the community on their priorities for a refreshed Agreement. The new Agreement is expected to cover a period of five years, enabling us to be more ambitious and innovative.

By working together, as shown in the following pages, much has been and can be achieved in the areas of cultural identity, health, education, safety, leadership, economic participation and a more connected community.

The ACT Government is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build positive life outcomes and opportunities.

[Add electronic signature]

Rachel Stephen-SmithMinister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body message

On behalf of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, I welcome the Annual Report of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-18.

This Annual Report is the way in which we can have visibility against our needs and priorities. We are able to understand the progress and hold both the ACT Government and its community partners to effective design and delivery of services that our community needs.

The Elected Body is committed to working in a collaborative and positive manner to find new and innovative solutions to the issues faced by our community. We know that solutions to address our needs come from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities here in the ACT.

Shortly we will commence consultation for the next Whole of Government Agreement. The Agreement sets out the priorities of the community and the commitment of the ACT Government, Elected Body and our service partners. We work together to recognise and respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT.

This is an important opportunity for us to shape priorities and outcomes that we know are important to us. I would encourage all members of the community to voice their thoughts on what is going well and what needs to change for our children, adults and elders.

I would like to thank the previous Elected Body members for their commitment, achievement and advocacy on behalf of our community and I welcome new members and thank them for the enthusiasm and passion they bring to their roles.

Ms Katrina FanningChairperson Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

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Overview

The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement Annual Report demonstrates achievement against the community aspirations and priorities expressed in the whole-of-government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-18

The annual report provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress and activities undertaken by the ACT Government and their service delivery partnership to provide culturally appropriate services with, and for, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Engaging with, collaborating and understanding the lived experience of individuals, families and communities in the ACT is essential to bring perspective to the intent of policies and programs. This report seeks to find the linkages between policy and program intent and lived experience.

The ACT Government recognises the critical role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to building resilient identity and building strong communities. Key programs and projects are engaging directly with the community to design and deliver new services that specifically and appropriately engage families. For example, the pilot program of Growing Healthy Families has been extended for a year with high engagement and participation by families seeking greater access to culturally and age appropriate services in child development, health and community.

The report progresses through each of the seven domains in the Agreement. The seven domains are: education; healthy minds, healthy bodies; feeling safe; employment and economic independence; cultural identity; connecting the community; and leadership. The section describes the aspiration in the Agreement and follows with summaries of individual programs and initiatives that have made positive impact and outcomes within the community. The Key Performance Indicators section shows how we are tracking against each outcome and measure.

There has been a change in the reporting structure as the National COAG Closing the Gap strategy has been undergoing a refresh, so this is the first of the new format reports that seeks to connect community aspirations to specific, population-based measurable outcomes. This will enhance the transparency and effectiveness of programs and also enhance accountability for how programs impact the local community.

The outcomes will remain stable for the duration of the agreement and the measures will evolve to accurately reflect the outcome. This assists both the government and community sector service providers to respond where the indicators show that a different approach is required.

The data for this report has been collected from appropriate sources according to the domain. For example, education using NAPLAN data, health using the Health Performance Framework and justice the Criminal Justice Statistics. There has been much care taken to ensure that the data has been appropriately collated and is able to be compared from those sources. In some places the regularity of reporting has impacted whether we are able to show data and where the data is unavailable this has been shown as not published (n.p.).

The ACT Government is committed to working closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to continue to improve community outcomes.

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ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015–2018

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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-18 (the Agreement) sets out the commitment of the ACT Government, service partners, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, and the community, to work together to recognise and respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT and surrounding region.

The Agreement was signed in April 2015 by the Chief Minister, Andrew Barr MLA, the (then) Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (Rod Little), the (then) Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (Yvette Berry MLA) and the Head of Service, Kathy Leigh.

The signatories of this Agreement committed to pursuing equitable outcomes for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT and to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the community and their organisations to develop the opportunities, knowledge and skills to build an empowered, resilient and sustainable future.

The Agreement was developed through comprehensive government and community consultation and identifies seven key focus areas to target quality life outcomes essential to achieving the shared vision of the Agreement through the key theme of Strong Families. These key focus areas are interrelated and can only be successfully addressed through holistic program and service delivery.

The Agreement articulates the ACT Government and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body’s partnership in seven focus areas:

Education - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are fully engaged in life-long learning and positive generational experiences

Healthy mind, healthy body - Focused and effective services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT

Feeling safe - Improved family and community safety, and families’ and communities’ perceptions of feeling safe

Employment and economic independence - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members are connected to strong family, social and support networks

Connecting the community - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members are connected to strong family, social and support networks

Cultural identity - Community members celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures

Leadership - Empowering people, creating confidence and self-esteem

The Agreement is designed to ensure that Directorates commit to cooperation across priorities, rather than delivering services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in functional silos.

The relationship between the Agreement and individual directorate programs and performance can be seen below (Figure 1).

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Figure 1

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Whole of Government Agreement 2015-2018ACT Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander

Affairs Subcommittee,

of the ACT Public Service

Strategic Board

CMTEDD Health Education Justice and Community Safety Community Services

Environment, Planning and Sustainable

Development

Transport Canberra and City Services

Key strategies

TrainingEmployment

Health Performance Framework and early

intervention strategies

Increasing achievement and

retention demonstrating life-

long learning

Justice Partnership and intensive

community co-design

A Step Up for Our KidsYouth Justice

Housing

KickStart My Career program

Culturally appropriate transport for the

community

Directorate Internal Strategies

RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP

Governance and Accountability

The Agreement provides the strategic framework for all aspects of policy and service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, underpinned by ACT Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body plans, strategies and priorities. It ensures that the ACT Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body work collaboratively towards achieving desired outcomes through a systemic approach.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Subcommittee of the ACT Public Service Strategic BoardThe purpose of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Subcommittee of the ACT Public Service Strategic Board (the Subcommittee) is to enhance performance and accountability by ACT Government directorates in improving life outcomes for the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by:

monitoring performance against the implementation plan for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-18, including directorate-specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategic plans and initiatives and mainstream overarching strategies;

delivering effective pathway solutions that involve an integrated cross directorate approach leading to improved quality life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;

identifying solutions that resolve more complex service delivery issues or to address systemic barriers regarding optimum service delivery by directorates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients; and

continuing to drive greater horizontal integration of service delivery and cross directorate collaboration with a view to advance aspirations, and to overcome challenges and barriers to improve quality outcomes for the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs within the Community Services Directorate provides secretariat support for the Subcommittee.

The membership of the Subcommittee consists of the Directors-General of: Community Services Directorate (Chair) Health Directorate Education Directorate Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate Justice and Community Safety Directorate Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate

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Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate.

The ACT Chief Police Officer and the Chair of the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander Elected Body are also Subcommittee members.

During 2016, the Subcommittee oversaw the development of the Implementation Plan and Outcomes Framework for the Agreement.

Reporting progress against the AgreementIn order to facilitate a review of the specific outcomes and progress against the Agreement, an Outcomes Framework (Framework) has been developed to show how the combined efforts of government are moving beyond participation and attendance measures to population based outcomes to know whether programs, in combination, are showing change in the community.

Outcome domains in the Framework are linked to the key focus areas within the Agreement. These focus areas match the division of responsibilities within Directorates (Table 1).

Table 1

Key Focus Area Outcome DomainEducation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are fully engaged in life-long learning and positive generational experiences

Develop knowledge and skills through engagement in life-long learning

Healthy mind, healthy bodyFocused and effective services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT

Improved individual and community social and emotional wellbeing

Employment and economic independenceIncreased employment and private enterprise for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT

Confident to pursue employment pathways and increased economic independence

Feeling safe Improved family and community safety, and families’ and communities’ perceptions of feeling safe

Feel safe through the justice systemAffordable, stable and secure housing

Connecting the community Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members are connected to strong family, social and support networks

Connected to strong family, social, cultural networks

Cultural identity Community members celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures

Strong cultural identity and feel empowered to promote identity at home, work and in communities

Leadership Empowering people, creating confidence and self-esteem

Feel connected, and able to prepare for leadership of the community

The Framework assists in demonstrating achievement toward equitable outcomes and opportunities, knowledge and skills to build an empowered, resilient and sustainable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT through:

Using strengths based outcomes and indicators; Describing outcomes in plain English to facilitate communication and consultation; Focus on family as the foundation for a healthy, independent and culturally rich community; Reference and implement leading Aboriginal scholarship, for example from the National

Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, SNAICC - National Voice for Our Children and their policy guidance on Aboriginal Child Placement Principles;

Anchoring early intervention and primary prevention programs to specific population outcomes;

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Specific expression of the outcomes to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait community, not duplicating existing national data reporting and leveraging existing data sets where possible;

Ensuring that data used is non-identifiable to the community as percentages off a small base can be identifiable particularly in areas such as youth justice; and

Alignment to complementary frameworks and reporting mechanisms.

Figure 2 shows how the community aspirations and priorities as described in the report are organised into seven focus areas that form the foundation of the Agreement. Those aspirations are then expressed as specific population outcomes. These population outcomes are supported by key performance indicators that demonstrate progress towards the specified outcomes. The measures then record specific data and evidence based measures that are able to be tracked and measured over time to show progress and achievement.

Figure 2

In monitoring progress against the aspirations of the Agreement there are three main documents:1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-18

The Whole of Government Agreement that describes the community aspirations and priorities.

2. The Outcomes Framework The Outcomes Framework expresses these aspirations of the community as outlined in the Agreement as specific population based outcomes to drive cross-government coordination and effort. Within this report, the Framework is reflected in the “Key Performance Indicators” section for each focus area of the Agreement.

The Framework seeks to describe in practical terms the expected impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT as a result of many complementary government and community sector programs and initiatives. It will support annual reporting

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against the Agreement to ensure that there is transparency and accountability of effort and achievement. Reporting through the Framework replaces the existing ACT Closing the Gap Report format. This is the first report using the Framework and reflects performance against outcomes for the 2016-17 financial year. Because this is the first year that the Framework is being used, some figures are not yet available, or have not yet been published for the relevant year(s).

3. Implementation plan The plan is an internal document that tracks, on a quarterly basis, the progress of specific project and program plans across government. The reports on the Implementation Plan provides valuable information on both progress, priority and risk areas.

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Education

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are fully engaged in life-long learning and positive generational experiences

The Agreement advocates for education and lifelong learning in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Engagement in education has a transformative impact on individuals and the wider community and is an important part of promoting economic participation, independence and entrepreneurship.

The Education Directorate is committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners have access to high quality, powerful and relevant learning experiences. Over the last year enrolments in ACT schools increased from 1,739 students in 2016 to 1,844 students in 2017. This has been an upward trend, noting cohort variations.

The ACT Government is currently developing an Early Childhood Strategy, which will look to coordinate approaches across government and strengthen partnerships with non-government organisations, to achieve better outcomes for children and their families. The strategy will consider early childhood services including education, maternal and child health, family support and early intervention, and will be informed by the findings of the Evaluation of Early Childhood Schools and the Koori Preschool Program.

Building cultural awareness for a supportive learning environment Melrose High School used a strengths-based approach to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Melrose worked hard to make sure that all students could feel culturally safe and empowered to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

Melrose High School commenced the 2017 school year by holding a smoking ceremony for the whole school building in keeping with their Reconciliation Action Plan. The school regularly invited young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from this Country to conduct Welcome to Country at major events.

Melrose High School is committed to language learning for all school staff. At every staff meeting, new phrases and words are learned and practiced. The primary language used is Wiradjuri, which informed about 50 per cent of Gundungurra, the parent language for the Ngambri and Ngunnawal languages.

Another positive step has been ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families are represented in leadership and decision-making roles. The President of the Student Representative Council for 2017 was a Year 10 Torres Strait Islander woman. Melrose High School recently created an identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position on the school board.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community engagement initiatives such as embedding local Aboriginal language and culture in the school curriculum and involving students in decision making improved a sense of belonging resulting in attendance and academic achievements.

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“Mununja” the butterfly In May 2017, four primary schools commenced a curriculum project exploring ways in which to incorporate the Ngunnawal story Mununja the Butterfly into learning activities and programs for upper primary students. A beautifully illustrated bilingual text was created, enabling students to experience the Ngunnawal language and culture. The story centred on a young girl who was turned into a butterfly to avoid marrying the evil Gunja “the clever one”. The storybook was written by local Ngunnawal Elder Don Bell, who passed away in 2008.

Ngunnawal Plant Use guide pilot program Nine schools explored ways to incorporate the Ngunnawal Plant Use guide into their teaching and learning programs in 2017. Resources and strategies were shared with other schools.

The resource book developed included an introduction to Ngunnawal history and natural resource use, descriptions and photos of 69 plant species, including their use, distribution and method of propagation. All schools received a copy of the book and associated materials to use in classrooms.

Yurauna Centre – ConnXtions ProgramNorthside Community Service, in partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology Yurauna Centre, deliver the ConnXtions Program. The ConnXtions Program provides nationally recognised training, Certificate III in Community Service and ongoing wrap-around support to members of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The program is a collaboration between the Northside Community Service, Canberra Institute of Technology and Community Services Directorate.

During July to December 2016, 14 participants attended courses. Of these, two students graduated and went on to further study; five students met the requirements to move onto the Certificate IV in either Mental Health or Alcohol and Other Drugs with the CIT Yurauna Centre; and the remaining seven students continued on to the Certificate III in Community Services as part of the ConnXtions Program.

A further nine students enrolled in the Certificate III in Community Services in February 2017.

From February to April 2017, there were a total of 11 children enrolled in the ConnXtions early childhood education and care centre. On average, there are six children in attendance on any given day, ranging in age from four months to five years.

Dearne – Certificate III in Community WorkStudying at CIT Yurauna Centre in the ConnXtions program opened new doors for Dearne, a single mother who in her own words “didn’t pay attention at school and left in Year 10”. Dearne was supported by the staff at Yurauna and completed her Certificate III in Community Work and surprised herself when she passed with credits. Dearne soon realised she “could do this” and had a thirst for knowing more. She went on

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and did the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and has now been offered a place at the Australian Catholic University to study community work at the diploma level. Although she has deferred her studies for the time being she has a new job as a support officer at Red Cross and loves the challenge.

Dearne said that once you step into CIT Yurauna you become a part of the Yurauna family and are fully supported and it’s safe. “That’s what I would want people to know about it; it’s a safe place!”

Temika – Enrolled NursingTemika is now enrolled in the Certificate III Community Services - ConnXtions Program. ConnXtions provides child care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students making the difference to disengaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and empowering them towards a pathway of success. Temika is on a journey to complete Enrolled Nursing in 2018, and aspires to work in midwifery and paediatrics. Completing the Certificate II General Education for Adults has completely changed Temika’s life. This photo was taken at University of Canberra where Temika was awarded a Scholarship for her art. Temika has overcome many barriers and is a person that others, young and mature, look up to.

Temika Merritt, Ali Wass, Teachers General Education

Renee Dwyer, Teachers General EducationCaroline Hughes, Director, CIT Yurauna Centre

Kickstart My Career Through Culture programThe Kickstart program 2016-2020 is a new initiative designed to re-engage young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in school and to set them on pathways to successful lives. The program is based on conservation and land management principles, with a strong cultural engagement component. It is delivered through schools as a ‘flexible learning option’ which are short vocational education courses that provide recognised qualifications.

Learning is delivered outdoors or ‘on country’, where students are able to learn more about Aboriginal culture, conservation, preservation of cultural sites and traditional uses of plants.

The program is being delivered by ACT Natural Resource Management in collaboration with Greening Australia, Canberra Institute of Technology, the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, and a range of local Aboriginal businesses and Traditional Custodians. The combination of nationally accredited training, and effective career advice builds student confidence, increases engagement with education, and provides opportunities to explore future pathways.

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Highlights include:

More than 80 students from Years 7-12 have participated in the course during the first year of operation. Six Year 12 students have applied for jobs or further training in the land and conservation area.

Students and families have noticed a positive outcome in terms of fitness levels and overall health. “The hike to the top of the mountain is really hard but learning about the area and the view from the top is worth it. I never thought I would ever go hiking” (Year 10 student at Booroomba Rocks).

Participants have enjoyed learning about local history, Aboriginal sites and culture. Students have then been passing this knowledge onto their friends and family. “Yeah he really enjoys it, has found it to be very educational. He talks about what he learns constantly” (Mother of student).

Short programs with primary school students to engage and introduce the concepts of conservation and land management, culture and identity. “The children at Gilmore loved the lesson that you and Adam did with the kids last week. It has inspired lots of discovery and making of woven items with things out of the garden at school” (Teacher).

Working with students, one on one, to develop pathway plans for their education and career development.

“The program has helped me gain a better understanding of the different aspects of ranger roles and the work that Greening Australia does. It has also introduced me to people that I can network with,

learn from, ask questions and support me.” (Year 12 student applying for a ranger position).

Involvement in the Kickstart Program for 2016/2017

Schools Involved Students InvolvedPrimary Schools: 2 Primary Students: 42High Schools: 5 High School Students:

20Colleges: 3 College Students: 20

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Graduates from the first Kickstart program

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Key Performance IndicatorsOutcomes in education are gradually improving, which indicates that there is growing success from the early intervention programs such as Koori Preschool. There are also promising indications around Year 12 completion rates, however we need to be cautious of the small cohorts with between 80 – 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children enrolled in each year group.

Key Performance Indicators Measure 2015-16 2016-17

Develop knowledge and skills through engagement in life-long learning

Children are ready for school

Children have appropriately developed skills across five domains: Physical health and wellbeing; Social competence; Emotional maturity; Language and cognitive skills (school-based); Communication skills and general knowledge

Percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children developmentally vulnerable on one or more domain(s), ACT and Australia and 2015

41.9

Next available data from

2018 survey

Children have appropriately developed early literacy skills

The median percentile for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students relative to the performance of all public school students in PIPS in reading

23 25

Children have appropriately developed early numeracy skills

Median percentile for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students relative to the performance of all public school students in PIPS in numeracy

25 29

Increasing school achievement

Increasing NAPLAN Year 3 achievement

Writing (mean) 368 369

Reading (mean) 371 369

Numeracy (mean) 349 348

2013-15 2014-16


Writing (mean gain) 59 77

Reading (mean gain) 81 106

Numeracy (mean gain) 84 88


Writing (mean gain) 17 34

Reading (mean gain) 28 36

Numeracy (mean gain) 43 47

Increasing retention through senior years of schooling

Proportion of year 12 students receiving an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate

70% 73%

School environment that is conducive to learning for every child

Engagement with the school n.p. n.p.

Engagement between students and teachers n.p. n.p.

Increasing youth engagement in employment, education or training

Increased access to support to promote youth engagement in employment, education and training

Increased application and award of OATSIA Scholarship Grants Program

Multiple applicants: grants totalling $69,447

24 applicants: grants totalling $61,138

Increasing achievement of Year 12 or equivalent

Proportion of the 20–24-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population having attained at least a year 12 or equivalent or AQF Certificate II or above, in the ACT

82%

Increasing successful transition from school

Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged 17–24 years who are fully engaged in postschool education, training or

No current data

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employment, in the ACT

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Healthy Mind, Healthy Body

Focused and effective services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT

The health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the ACT is critical to improving overall well-being and to improve cultural, education and economic participation.

There is continued investment in Aboriginal service delivery through organisations such as Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation (Gugan Gulwan) and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service (Winnunga Nimmityjah). ACT Health is committed to continued collaboration with the community to understand their specific health and cultural needs and how the Government may better design services to meet those needs.

ACT Strategic Priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2018-2023ACT Health has progressed the draft ACT Strategic Priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2018-2023 and associated Action Plan 2018-2020. This builds on consultations undertaken on a draft ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan from 2016.

The strategic priorities promote a culturally safe health system that provides focused and effective primary healthcare across people’s life cycles. In addition, the strategic priorities include a focus on:

mental health and wellbeing; child and maternal health; sexual health and the health of young people more broadly; harmful consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; and cancer, in particular cancer research to better understand the situation and undertake

effective planning in the ACT.

ACT Health has engaged with the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare to develop an ACT specific Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Performance Framework Report (HPF) in 2017. The HPF contains ACT and national data and analysis against 68 nationally agreed health and wellbeing indicators, including those relating to the social determinants of health such as education, employment, housing and justice.

Health Service Delivery PartnershipsACT Health has a Service Funding Agreement in place with Gugan Gulwan until 30 June 2019 to deliver the Street Beat Youth Outreach Service; drug and alcohol harm reduction – information and education and support and case management; healthy lifestyles and chronic disease prevention; and early intervention, mental health and wellbeing service.

ACT Health has a Service Funding Agreement in place with Winnunga Nimmityjah until 30 June 2019 to deliver Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Holistic Health Services including: midwifery program; hearing health; dental program; correctional outreach; mental health and wellbeing; and harm reduction – information and education and support and case management.

Core of LifeCore of Life is a comprehensive life education program focusing on the realities of pregnancy, birth and early parenting for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their peer groups.

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Following an evaluation in 2014, and within the context of the development of strategic priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in 2017, the Core of Life Program has been refreshed and continued until 30 June 2019. The current focus is on planning for delivery, in particular, re-establishing networks, developing relationships and promoting the program to key stakeholders.

Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm (NBHF).

On Monday 4 September 2017, the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris, and members of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council (UNEC) officially opened the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm (NBHF).

The NBHF will provide culturally appropriate prevention, education, and rehabilitation programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recovering from alcohol and other drug problems, to help them make positive choices and better respond to life challenges.

Located in a rural setting close to Namadgi National Park and the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the NBHF is a place of healing and will reconnect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to land, culture and community.

The initial program to be delivered at the NBHF will include traditional healing practices, life skills training, and cultural programs.

ACT Health has been working in collaboration with a NBHF Advisory Board, which includes members of UNEC, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups.

The NBHF aligns with the nation-wide commitment to reduce disadvantage between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity.

For more information about the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm see www.health.act.gov.au/NBHF.

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https://www.vision6.com.au/ch/52195/172ch/2413477/36c2211yn.html

Canberra Sexual Health Centre Youth Sexual Health Outreach ProgramACT Health has provided funding to continue the Canberra Sexual Health Centre Youth Sexual Health Outreach Program from July 2017 to June 2019. For the new funding period, the program has a number of objectives including a focus on holistic health by helping young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to understand the links between their sexual health and their general health and wellbeing, and provide them with information about health services.

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Key Performance Indicators

Early childhood interventions for maternal and children’s health appear to be improving, particularly the improvement in babies born at a healthy weight and full immunisation. However, there are also increasing needs for support to manage chronic conditions and increase the availability for screening and early diagnostics for cancer.


Measure 2015-16 2016-17

Improved individual and community social and emotional wellbeing

Improved child and maternal health

Improved child health

Increase first antenatal visit in first trimester

Increased proportion of babies born at healthy weight 84.2% 90.6%

Full immunisation at 1, 2 and 5 years 90.5% 94.1%

Increasing proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 0-14 year olds who received a health check n.p. 186

Improved maternal health Reduction in smoking during pregnancy* n.p. n.p.

Improved mental health and wellbeing

Improved emotional and mental wellbeing

Improved access to community mental health and wellbeing programs, suicide support programs, and specialist mental health services, correctional outreach

n.p. n.p.

Reduction in rates of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs abuse through improved access to specialist treatment programs n.p. n.p.

Improved prevention, identification and management of chronic disease within the community

Prevention

Increasing proportion of adults aged 15-54 and 55+ receiving health assessment n.p. n.p.

Reduction in potential preventable hospitalisations n.p. n.p.

Reduced rates of current smoker for people aged 15+* 39.3 n.p.

Youth access to prevention and education programs n.p. n.p.

Identification Working towards improved data collection and reporting on cancer n.p. n.p.

Management Reduced rates of harmful alcohol and other drug use* n.p. n.p.

Increasing access to culturally differentiated and proficient services

Improved service continuity between community and acute care services

Improved access and utilisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service n.p. n.p.

Health staff able to provide culturally differentiated services

Increase employment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the health system 67 n.p.

Increased client satisfaction in cultural awareness and differentiation of health services

85%.

Decreasing rate of discharge against medical advice 1.5% 2.2%

Audit rates of identification when accessing health services n.p. n.p.* Health status and outcomes and Determinants of health

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Feeling Safe

Improved family and community safety, and families’ and communities’ perceptions of feeling safe

Safety through the justice system is a key component of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Partnership. The partnership expires in 2018 and community engagement and co-design will commence in the new year to review the achievements of the current partnership and establish community priorities as they relate to justice and safety.

Bail Trial

The ACT Bail Support Program is designed to reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on remand, and the time spent on remand. The trial will involve the development of a culturally appropriate operational model that includes court based bail support, outreach bail support, Alexander Maconochie Centre support and after hours bail support. The trial will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who, in the absence of bail support, would likely be ineligible for bail.

ACT Corrections Service Extended Throughcare Program

Launched in June 2013, the Extended Throughcare program is designed to reduce former detainees’ likelihood of reoffending by linking them to coordinated support services in areas including housing, employment, transport, health services, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a period of 12 months after release.

ACT Corrections Service (ACTCS) Extended Throughcare Program received funding for the next four years as part of the 2017-18 Budget. Recognising the importance of culturally safe service delivery, the unit recently recruited to the new identified position of Throughcare Transition Officer.

NAIDOC Community Art Exhibition 2017

Community Services #1 has partnered with ACTCS as part of NAIDOC celebrations since 2013 to exhibit detainee and offender artwork within their public gallery in Narrabundah. This partnership continued in 2017 with a successful four week exhibition that spanned July and included additional Saturday public viewing times. More than 51 per cent of available artworks sold during the event totalling $7,450 in sales for provision to the artists to assist with their rehabilitation efforts and reintegration back into community upon release from custody.

NAIDOC Alexander Maconochie Centre Family Day

ACTCS held its annual NAIDOC Alexander Maconochie Centre Family Day event as part of the NAIDOC Week celebrations. This event, attended by 300 people, once again provided the opportunity for detainees and their families to come together to mark NAIDOC Week and to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Activities included face painting for children, live music and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancing by detainees.

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Circle of Security program

In 2017 ACTCS implemented a pilot of the Circle of Security parenting program aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents in custody. This program runs over an eight week period using DVD presentations in conjunction with trained facilitators and handouts. The program is currently offered in the community, providing scope for recently released detainees to continue the course after release.

Aboriginal Women’s Yarning Circle

ACTCS has identified the need and engaged a local female Aboriginal Community Elder to facilitate a formal weekly yarning circle program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in custody, where they have the opportunity to tell stories, discuss their individual challenges, seek advice and receive guidance on basic living skills matters and also enjoy the company of special guests brought in from the community and engage in projects that contribute to upcoming special cultural events.

Culture and Land Management Program in ACT’s Prison

The Aboriginal Natural Resource Management Facilitator has engaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees at the Alexander Maconochie Centre since 2013 through the delivery of a culture and land management course (CALM) to detainees. The CALM program is a partnership with ACT Natural Resource Management, Campbell-Page, Greening Australia and ACT Corrective Services that focuses on cultural and environmental activities while gaining non-accredited and accredited training (Certificate II Conservation and Land Management).

The CALM program has demonstrated a high level of success, and in recognition of this, funding for the program has transitioned from ACT Natural Resource Management (Commonwealth funding) to ACT Corrective Services in 2016-17.

Highlights of the Program in 2016-17 include information sessions on how to identify and protect Aboriginal heritage sites, making Aboriginal artefacts, and workshops on native plant species and soil profiles.

In addition to the delivery of the program, the Aboriginal Natural Resource Management Facilitator has been supporting Campbell-Page and Greening Australia extending a work area for detainees to focus on horticulture training with the aim to support the protection of local native grasslands.

Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-22

The Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-22 is a ten-year strategy aimed at improving outcomes for young people in the justice system in the ACT. Over the past five years, the Blueprint has demonstrated results through an initial action plan and continued collaboration between government and community organisations.

The Blueprint focuses on reducing youth crime by addressing the underlying causes and promoting early intervention, prevention and diversion of young people from the youth justice system. Since the introduction of the Blueprint there has been:

a 33 per cent reduction in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people under youth justice supervision;

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a 35 per cent reduction in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people under community-based supervision; and

a 66 per cent reduction in nights spent in custody by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre is responsible for the care of children and young people on remand or on committal orders in the ACT.

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre employs a designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Engagement Officer who supports the engagement between families and young people and promotes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective into the daily functions and management of the centre.

The role of the Family Engagement Officer is to:

support and engage the families of young people and be active in supporting the young person;

be a point of contact and communication for services wishing to engage and support young people in particular services supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people;

provide advice to staff and services about the cultural and other needs of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families; and

identify gaps in services for young people and their families, in particular those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and, where possible, assist in developing strategies to address these gaps.

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre continues to have strong connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in the community, including:

Gugan Gulwan - art and cultural programs; Winnunga Nimmityjah - sporting activities and health and wellbeing programs; and Relationships Australia - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counselling and young men’s

group.

ACT Policing

ACT Policing worked in partnership with stakeholders to support whole-of-government initiatives and strategies to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and youth. This included support of the delivery of the ACT Justice Partnership 2015-18 to prevent and reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

ACT Policing met the target for referring 100 per cent of all eligible offenders to restorative justice and exceeded its target for the number of referrals to drug diversion programs.

An article from the Monaro Post, dated Wednesday 20 September 2017, shows our community engagement.

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Key Performance IndicatorsThe outcomes against the indicators of Feeling Safe are mixed and represent some results that are ahead of targets and expectations, and others where more work is required. For example, in the 2016-17 reporting period 98 per cent of offenders released from the Alexander Maconochie Centre entered the Extended Throughcare program, well above the target of 90 per cent. The program was funded for the next four years as part of the 2017-18 Budget and is currently recruiting three permanent positions, including one identified position, recognising the importance of culturally safe service delivery.

The primary data sources for the elements of the Feeling Safe domain are from the Youth Justice Blueprint reported nationally by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and also the ACT Criminal Justice Statistical Profile.

The Criminal Justice Statistical Profile is released twice a year with data reflected up to March and September of each year. The current statistics for 2016-17 reflect only three quarters of the 2016-17 reporting period as the final quarter statistics will be released late in 2017.


Measure 2015-16 2016-17

Feel safe through the justice system

Decrease representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the justice system

Reduce the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Islander young people in the youth justice system

Daily average number and rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in contact with police

n.p. n.p.

Daily average number and rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who appear in Court

n.p. n.p.

Daily average number and rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who are either on sentenced or unsentenced community-based supervision

Daily average (all young people): 22 young people

Young people aged 10–17 under community-based supervision on an average day (rate per 10,000): 197.48

There were 6 young people unsentenced (a rate of 56.5) and 18 sentenced (a rate of 144.1) in the community on an average day.

Daily average: 19 young people

Young people aged 10–17 under community-based supervision on an average day (rate per 10,000): 180.01

There were 5 young people unsentenced (a rate of 50.24) and 16 sentenced (a rate of 149.16) in the community on an average day.

Daily average number and rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who are either on sentenced or unsentenced detention


Young people aged 10–17 in detention on an average day (rate


Young people aged 10–17 in detention on an average day (rate

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Measure 2015-16 2016-17

per 10,000): Rates are not published where there were fewer than five young people.

There was 2 young people unsentenced in detention and 2 young people sentenced in detention on an average day.

per 10,000): Rates are not published where there were fewer than five young people.

There were 2 young people unsentenced in detention and 1 young person sentenced in detention on an average day.

Daily average number and rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who re-offend.

Data withheld due to small numbers

Data withheld due to small numbers

Increasing use of diversionary practices

Reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people arrested using police discretion

787 672 (1Q missing*)

Increase in the use of cautions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people using police discretion

28 23 (1Q missing*)

Empowered community in engaging with the justice system

Increased access to legal and community supports

Increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients accessing Legal Aid ACT services

Baseline Increase of 6%

Increased use of alternatives to imprisonment

Decreasing number of custody nights in detention ***

Youth Justice: 1,025 custody nights

906 nights

Successful integration into the community post Justice engagement

Reducing recidivism rate through support to re-enter the community

90% or more of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sentenced offenders released from the Alexander Maconochie Centre entering the Throughcare program by 2017. • 2014-2015: 80% • 2015-2016: 85% • 2016-2017: 90%

98%

Increased use of restorative justice practices

Increasing number of restorative justice sessions Referred: 64 Referred: 64 YTD (1Q

data missing)

Reduce the number on remand and reduce the amount of time spent on remand by young people

Reducing numbers and rates of young people in detention (on remand and sentenced)

Unsentenced on an average day: 2 young people

Sentenced on an average day: 2 young people

25 Aboriginal young people spent 4 days unsentenced in detention (median)

5 Aboriginal young

Unsentenced on an average day: 2 young people

Sentenced on an average day: 1 young person

21 Aboriginal young people spent 7 days unsentenced in detention (median)

4 Aboriginal young

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Measure 2015-16 2016-17

people spent 74 days sentenced in detention (median)

people spent not published days sentenced in detention (median)

Increasing access to culturally differentiated and proficient services

Improved access to culturally proficient services and sentencing options

Increasing use of the Galambany ‘Circle Sentencing’ Court

Referred:47, Assessed:41 Sentenced: 32. (3Q data only)

n.p.

Engage and co-design services with the community

Engagement and co-design of the following initiatives:

Yarrabi Bamirr justice reinvestment trial

developing a tailored driver licensing project proposal to seek as a Road Safety Trust Grant

designing a bail support program

designing a new service response to reduce justice procedure offences (eg breach of bail)

partnering with the Infringements Office to improve access to culturally appropriate Work and Development Program (WDP) providers and coordinating cross-government work to re-establish circle sentencing for children and young people

Enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to contribute to the effective development and implementation of case management plans that include appropriate Cultural Care Plans

85% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people with orders of detention received a case plan

47% of young people with a sentenced youth justice order had a completed therapeutic case plan within six weeks of sentencing.

Increase employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the justice system

Increase entry level opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Action Plan

Increase retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Action Plan

* Criminal Justice Statistical Profile is released each March and September. The 2017 September edition has not yet been released so available data shows results for three quarters of the year.

*** Increased use of alternatives to imprisonment - Decreasing number of custody nights in detention.

Criminal Justice Statistical Profile indicates, in the 12 months to March 2017 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander admissions to the Bimberi Youth Detention Centre increased by just 3 (8 per cent) to a total of 42. Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander admissions to Bimberi decreased by 22 (22 per cent) to a total of 78 in the same time period. Only the non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander admissions demonstrate a statistically significant downward 5 year trend (YJ Table

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1). In the year to March 2017, there has been a 14 per cent increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander admissions to Alexander Maconochie Centre i.e. 19 admissions to a total of 156 (CS Table 1). The population of the Alexander Maconochie Centre changes from day to day. In the last 12 months to March 2017, of the average 429 prisoners in Alexander Maconochie Centre on the first of the month, 92 of them (22 per cent) were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (ACTCS Table 4). The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that the ACT adult prison population that identifies as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nearly doubled between 2005 and 2015, from approximately 10 per cent to 20 per cent. In comparison, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population increased from just 1.5 per cent to 1.8 per cent of the wider community.

When looking at people detained (either sentenced or on remand) in the Alexander Maconochie Centre, ACT Corrective Services has reported that from 2013-14 to April 2016 assaults make up the most serious offence for around 31 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees. Of the assaults, many cases involve domestic and family violence or alcohol and other drug use. In a sample studied from 2015-16, ACT Corrective Services found 61 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander assaults related to domestic and family violence while 83 per cent involved histories of alcohol and other drug use. These numbers need to be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size.

Diversions have been declining for young people and adults, from a low base. ACT Policing conducted a preliminary internal examination of the issue and reported in April 2017 that in the financial year to date (2016-17), ACT Policing had made 151 drug referrals, of which 2 identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. In the same period ACT Policing had made 39 alcohol diversions for young people and none of the young people identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. ACT Policing raised issues with identifying a person’s Aboriginality as a factor that may be affecting the low rate of referral. Eligibility barriers such as the seriousness of the crime have also been raised.

The Criminal Justice Statistical Profile indicates that charges cleared by cautions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have increased by 2 to a total of 31 in the 12 months to March 2017, however the 5 year trend for charges cleared by cautions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues to decline, with a statistically significant five year downward trend. Cautions reached their lowest level in the last five years in the December 2015 quarter when only four charges cleared by cautions were recorded. The March 2017 quarter records only five (ACTP Table 17). ACTP Table 17 in the Criminal Justice Statistical Profile also shows that in the 5 years to March 2017 there have been just 18 drug diversions and 12 alcohol diversions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 18 years old, with only 1 alcohol diversion for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young person recorded in the last 2 years. With the implementation of Phase 2 of the Restorative Justice Scheme, referrals from ACTP to the RJU have increased 32% per cent in the 12 months to March 2017 i.e. an increase of 39 referrals to a total of 162 (RJ Table 2).

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HousingAccess to safe, affordable and secure housing has many benefits for physical, mental and cultural wellbeing. Housing ACT continues to work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and staff to design unique, tailored service responses to the community.

Mura GunyaOn 7 September 2016, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Older Persons Accommodation project ‘Mura Gunya’ (meaning Pathway to Home) was officially opened. The purpose built complex consists of five two-bedroom dwellings for ageing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT. The ACT Government has worked collaboratively with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body to deliver this important project which is designed to meet the needs of its older residents. These homes provide culturally and age appropriate accommodation allowing tenants to maintain connection to their family, community and culture.

A smoking ceremony was held on site in early February 2016 prior to construction commencing. The ashes of the ceremony were retained and later incorporated into the footings of the external common area space. The properties have been constructed to meet the Class C Adaptable Housing standards and designed to provide a sense of community, with shared common areas and a covered outdoor communal area for residents to meet, share stories, cook and entertain. The use of native plants provides a strong connection to the local landscape with native grasses, shrubs and trees featuring prominently. The landscaping will include medicinal and bush tucker plants planted for residents to use.

Mura Gunya was designed and developed in collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, Collins Caddaye Architects, Architecture for Humanity, the Blackett Property Group and Alliance FM.

Narrabundah HouseNarrabundah House Indigenous Supported Residential Facility provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men aged 15 to 18 years who are at risk of entering the justice system, or who have left custody and are experiencing challenges with education, training and stable accommodation.

Prioritisation is given to young people who are exiting detention to better support their transition and reintegration, however, support is also provided to young people on bail with a temporary place to stay while they are looking at other housing options.

Young men are assisted to develop independent living skills, engage with their community and services they need, and are encouraged to connect with their culture. They are expected to participate in employment, education and training programs that will help to secure their future.

During 2016-17, the facility has successfully provided short to medium term supported accommodation to 19 young men of whom 11 identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

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Key Performance IndicatorsHousing ACT data will be available for comparison in December 2017 at which point we will be able to assess the trends.


Affordable, stable and secure housing

Crisis and transitional accommodation needs are met

Prevent homelessnessIncreasing proportion of homelessness services clients who needed independent housing and who achieved it after support

62.6%

(290 of 436)

Data available December 2017

Support during period of homelessness

Increasing proportion of homelessness services clients who needed employment and/or training assistance and who were employed after support

24.8%

(10 of 41)


Prevent return to homelessness

Proportion of homelessness services clients who had more than one period of homelessness

8.5%

(49 of 573)


The proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander homelessness services clients who needed assistance to obtain or maintain independent housing and achieved it at the end of support, who did not present again with a need for accommodation assistance in the reporting period

89.3%

(266 of 298)


Stable and secure housing

Appropriate accommodation available

Decreasing rates of overcrowding - Public housing 7.5% (57) 6.9% (54)

Decreasing rates of overcrowding - Community housing 4.5%(1) 9.1% (2)

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Employment and economic independence

Increased employment and private enterprise for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT

The ACT Government has been working to improve pathways between education, training and employment and particularly employment within the ACT public sector.

The 2016-17 ACT State of the Service Report shows increasing employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the ACT public service.

June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017

Headcount 238 253 299 313 350

Percentage of total workforce 1.2% 1.2% 1.4% 1.5% 1.6%

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Development and Entrepreneurship Support Model (the Model), completed June 2016, was designed and implemented through:

delivery of four targeted workshops on financial literacy, accounting, business fundamentals and marketing courses;

a tradeshow event on 14 June 2016 which had participation from 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and was attended by approximately 110 people;

a documentary titled Canberra Business Yarns as an opportunity for six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to tell their story with a focus on how culture fits into their businesses; and

a report outlining research undertaken and recommendations into a model for a Canberra Region Indigenous Business Chamber.

ACT Public Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Employment Framework ACT Public Service (ACTPS) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Employment Framework has been revised and supports the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for employment and economic independence through:

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; sponsorship of the ACT NAIDOC Business of the Year Award at the annual ACT NAIDOC

Awards;

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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.

Improving employment opportunitiesThe Total Facilities Management contract between the ACT Government and Spotless Facilities Services acknowledges that one of Housing ACT’s key initiatives is encouraging sustainable economic engagement and participation of specific cohorts within the ACT community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

During 2016-17, Spotless substantially exceeded its target of 10 employees, and employed a total of 22 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Total Facilities Management contract.

The ACT Government has also piloted the ACTPS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traineeship Program.

Through the Transport Canberra and City Services Diversity Employment Scholarship one Aboriginal employee has been approved to complete the Certificate IV in Government and three trainees through the whole of government traineeship program in Road Maintenance, City Presentation and Chief Operating Officer Group.

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander BusinessesThe ACT Government continues to support businesses owned and staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the ACT. For example:

Transport Canberra and City Services and the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate used Habitat Personnel, a specialised agency, to provide guidance to interview panel members when recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates;

Transport Canberra and City Services has procured Thunderstone Cultural and Land Management Services for an On-Country tour program that focuses on local cultural and traditional land and water ways that are significant to Ngunawal people;

Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and the Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation working together to build capacity in the Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve including developing new and diverse tourism products; and

ACT Property Group supports 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 at Yarramundi Reach.

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The indicators in the employment and economic independence focus area shows improvement against ACT public service retention. However, pathways between school and work need to be strengthened. The ACT Government has been piloting a traineeship program, the results of which will inform the continued development of pathways to employment within the ACT.


Confident to pursue employment pathways of their choosing and increased economic independence

Increased participation in the workforce

Improve pathways between school and work

Increased number and availability of traineeships

Pilot program

Increased ACT Public Service pathways, development and retention

313 (1.5% of ACT PS

workforce)

350 (1.6% of ACT PS

workforce)

Stimulate new businesses and encourage entrepreneurs

Increased number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in ACT

Increasing Indigenous owned or controlled land and business

n.p. n.p.

Increasing number of businesses participating in CBRIN Business Development and Entrepreneurship Support Model

n.p. n.p.

Promote the success of ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and organisations

ACT NAIDOC Business of the Year Award

Baseline Increased numbers of nominees by 5%

Increase opportunities for mentoring and sharing of business skills and experience across the community to promote business confidence and acumen

Canberra Yarning Circle - Completed four workshops, tradeshow, documentary

Program on hold, pending consultation and assessment of new proposals

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Connecting the Community

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members are connected to strong family, social and support networks

Maintaining connection with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is important for both identity and cultural safety. Connection to community is primarily enabled through strong families and this is the focus for activities and innovations.

Strong Families portalIn 2016-17, an online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Portal was developed to provide a central access point on whole of government services, initiatives and events. The portal is structured under the seven key focus areas of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-18 and will improve the ability of the ACT Government to target information, programs and services directly to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The Minister for Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Affairs launched the Portal at the “Reconciliation in Action – It’s a RAP” Expo on 26 May 2017 at the Cultural Centre. The web address for the portal is http://www.strongfamilies.act.gov.au .

Growing Healthy FamiliesGrowing Healthy Families (GHF) is a community development program delivered out of the three Child and Family Centres in collaboration with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The program offers a range of culturally informed health, early childhood development and parenting services which support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. The GHF program includes case management for families with high and complex needs, developmental children’s groups, early intervention and targeted intervention playgroups, and community activities and events.

The GHF programs in each of the Child and Family Centres deliver group activities in partnership with other community organisations, such as UnitingCare, Gugan Gulwan, the Smith Family, individual schools and the Belconnen Arts Centre. Examples of these groups include Koori Kids, Deadly Bubs, Strong Women’s Group, Ngunnawal Homework Club, Mums and Bubs and Koori Paint and Play.

The GHF program has achieved positive outcomes such as connecting mothers and their children with other families. Participants have gained confidence to enrol in further study, access early intervention support for young children, and support their children at school. In 2016-17, there was 8 per cent growth in participation rates in GHF, with 176 families and 265 children engaged in programs.

Family Group Conferencing pilotChild and Youth Protection Services (CYPS) is developing a Family Group Conference model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families at risk of ongoing involvement with the statutory child protection system.

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http://www.strongfamilies.act.gov.au/

The pilot includes the employment of two identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander positions based within the CYPS Cultural Services Team, to undertake the facilitation of Family Group Conferences. In addition, two experienced and independent (to CYPS) Aboriginal facilitators will also undertake Family Group Conferences.

In June 2017, consultants were engaged for the development and establishment of the model. The pilot will be conducted over a 12 month period. Feedback will be sought from the families who participate in order to ensure the pilot is meeting the needs of ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families.

Over-representation of children and young people in care The Community Services Directorate is committed to reducing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the child protection system. In the ACT, 26 per cent of children and young people in out of home care identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, despite making up only three per cent of all children and young people in the ACT.

On 15 June 2017, the Minister for Disability, Children and Youth announced an independent review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people involved with the ACT child protection system. The review’s primary focus will be to inform system-wide improvements so that we can work together better, to keep children and young people in their families and culture. The Community Services Directorate is currently engaging with Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and key organisations in the development of the review methodology.

A Step Up for Our KidsUnder A Step Up for Our Kids, the ACT Government’s five year out of home care strategy, services were introduced to specifically support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. This service system has a specific focus on keeping families together with a view to reducing the number of children coming into care.

In January 2016, Uniting began delivering the Children and Families ACT program to families who have children at risk of entering care, or who have entered care. These new services are aimed at keeping families together and providing parents with the tools they need to sustain a safe home environment for their children.

Meeting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families is a key focus of Uniting’s service delivery and is supported and informed by their Aboriginal Development Unit, Jaanamili. Jaanamili supports the way services are delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families by providing cultural guidance, expertise and support. Uniting is also working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agencies and community groups in the ACT to ensure an essential link is established between service delivery and the local community.

A new independent Birth Families Advocacy Support Service operated by the Australian Red Cross provides support, information and advice to empower birth families to effectively participate in the child protection process in an informed way. This service includes an identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff member, strengthening the ability of the service to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander birth families who come into contact with the child protection system.

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Child Development ServiceThe Child Development Service (CDS) commenced operations in 2016, using medical and allied health staff who are co-located to provide a seamless service for young children and their families. CDS focuses on early identification of developmental delays and/or disabilities for children 0-6 years in the ACT.

The CDS worked with 116 children from birth to six years and their families who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in 2016-17 by providing the following services and programs:

Drop-in style services at the five Koori Preschools are provided by speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

An early childhood teacher attends the weekly Mums and Bubs group to facilitate play activities and promote childhood development.

Allied health professionals work collaboratively with Maternal and Child Health nurses and staff from the Winnunga Nimmityjah to prioritise assessments for children identified with developmental delays.

A speech pathologist and Indigenous allied health assistant attend the weekly Gugan Gulwan Mums and Bubs group, supporting playgroup programming, health promotion activities relating to speech and language development and assessment, and referrals for children identified with developmental delay.

Allied health staff regularly attend the Koori playgroups, Strong Women’s groups and Deadly Bubs groups held at the Child and Family Centres providing health promotion activities, information to parents, assessment and referrals for children identified with delays in development.

Connecting Community on the busThe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Bus Program implements a key recommendation of the Study into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Transport Disadvantage. The program provides transport to the target group and aims to develop a solid reputation for reliability and trust.

The community bus delivers demand responsive transport for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans who are at risk of social isolation because of a lack of suitable transport.

The program continues to deliver well above the original intent of simply providing a trip from one point to another. It is now providing real connection to those in the community who are isolated, and linking people with the services they need to play a part in the community.

Successes have been achieved in connecting with the many groups and families that make up the local population. These include Gugan Gulwan, Winnunga Nimmityjah, the support networks of the West Belconnen Child and Family Centre, the Burrunju Aboriginal Corporation group, and organisations working with the justice system to name a few. All provide differing levels of services and programs and use the community bus to enable community connection.

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Integrated Service ModelsThe Child, Youth and Family Services Program (CYFSP) provides funding for services in the ACT that are specifically designed, delivered and received by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The following organisations and programs are examples to show how funding provided by CYFSP can enable and facilitate more appropriate and targeted service responses.

Gugan Gulwan Dhunlung Yarra Service Nguru Program

A safe and supportive environment where community may gather and discuss issues that concern them and gain access to information, referral, counselling and remedial services.

The Gugan Gulwan service model for youth and family engagement is a series of intentional interventions that work together in an integrated way to promote safety, permanency and wellbeing of children, young people and families. The integrated service model includes case management, group programs, youth engagement and therapeutic services.

In 2016-17, Gugan Gulwan had participation by 1,270 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in group programs.

A dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander therapeutic service staffed by Aboriginal professionals.

Members of the Dhunlung Yarra team work across multiple programs to deliver a range of culturally appropriate services including counselling, family dispute resolution and other relationship support services.

The Dhunlung Yarra Service has demonstrated not only their ability to network and engage with Aboriginal specific services and community, but have developed their style of working according to community need.

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre delivers the Nguru Program. The Nguru Program provides culturally appropriate counselling for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and their families who have experienced sexual assault.

The program’s approach is holistic and family centred. The program aims to help assess their circumstances and relationships, and to plan for the future.

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Connected to strong family, social, cultural networks

Supporting strong resilient families

Increasing family safety and security

Percentage of children in care who have a cultural care plan 87%

Achievement of family goals through completion of Growing Healthy Families or Circles of Security training

163 families 176 families

Children will have culturally appropriate care when interfacing with the child protection system

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by relationship of care giver, 30 June - % children placed in accordance with Aboriginal child placement principle.

60.4% 60.1%

Reduce the re-substantiation rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care

26% of children with

a substantiation

in 2015-16 had a further

substantiation in the next 12

months.

Data available in 2018

Reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children coming into care

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Improved connection to cultural enriching networks

Community groups that practice, teach and promote culture

Increased application and award of OATSIA Cultural Grants Program

Seven applicants: grants totalling $29,820

Six applicants: grants totalling $21,880

Enable transport to cultural events and gatherings Increased use of the Community Bus n.p. 5,430

boardings

Culturally appropriate services and support where appropriate

Representation on consultative/advisory committees to ACT Education and Training, Health and Justice

Increasing representation and diversity of the community represented in co-design sessions

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Cultural Identity

Community members celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures

The ACT Government recognises the importance of strong cultural identities for better life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Strong positive cultural identities are essential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, and are a crucial element in overcoming the ongoing effects of trans-generational trauma caused by past government policies.

Culture as a key aspect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing is both knowledge and practice of culture by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and respect for that culture among the wider community. Initiatives that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and promote improved engagement with the local community have been supported and extended in the 2016-17 year.

Reconciliation In 2016, the ACT Government commenced extensive community consultation on a proposal to replace an existing ACT public holiday with a day to celebrate reconciliation. On 11 August 2016, an Outcome Report was tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly that found that there was overwhelming support for the proposal to establish a Reconciliation Day public holiday in the ACT.

The first Reconciliation Day will be held on 28 May 2018.

The Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs hosted a market on 4 February 2017 and a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Expo at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre on 26 May 2017. Attendance at each event exceeded 400 people. The 4 February 2017 event was held in partnership with Marymead with more than 25 stall holders. The RAP Expo was highly successful in showcasing the Reconciliation Action Plans of ACT directorates, their community partners and private enterprise.

50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum

To celebrate the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, Libraries ACT organised the following events:

the ACT Heritage Library, with Archives ACT, hosted a Heritage Week speech by Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith at Turner Primary school on 5 May 2017;

an online exhibition called Right Wrongs, Write Yes, a joint project of National and State Libraries Australasia, ABC Open, and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies explored personal stories, opinions and historical recordings of what happened during the 1967 National Referendum; and

profiles and standing orders reviewed to ensure they include material created by and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This means titles are provided to the library as they are published and include titles from:

o Aboriginal Studies Press (the publishing arm of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies);

o Magabala Books (a leading Indigenous publisher);

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o IAD Press (the publishing arm of the Institute for Aboriginal Development, a not-for-profit Aboriginal community controlled organisation); and

o digital material available via BorrowBox and includes eBook titles from Aboriginal Studies Press.

NAIDOC WeekA flag-raising ceremony was held at the ACT Legislative Assembly on 9 July 2017 as part of the ACT Government’s acknowledgement of the importance of NAIDOC Week. Flags were raised by Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; Canberra Citizen of the Year Alex Sloan; Ngunnawal man, Bradley Bell; and Torres Strait Islander woman, Samantha Faulkner.

In 2016 Dr Chris Bourke MLA, then Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, joined Australian of the Year David Morrison AO and descendent of the Murawari people Belle Whyte to raise the flags. Descendent of the Waanyi and Garawa peoples of the Northern Territory/Queensland Border and Kaureg people of the Torres Strait Islands, Reggie Hodges, also raised the Torres Strait Islander flag.

In 2016-17, the Community Services Directorate provided special one-off grants to support significant celebrations. The NAIDOC Committee received $21,000 for a community family fun day on 27 May 2017 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, and $21,000 was provided to the ACT Torres Strait Islander Corporation to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Mabo decision by holding a community family fun day on 3 June 2017.

Aboriginal Waterways AssessmentsA key component of a water resource plan under the Murray Darling Basin Plan is identifying Indigenous values, uses and objectives for water resources. In developing ACT’s water resource plan, the Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate is providing mechanisms for increased engagement of Traditional Custodians in water planning and management.

A tool called the Aboriginal Waterways Assessment (AWA) has been used to assist in identifying cultural values and uses and the cultural importance of sites relating to waterways. The AWA project involves Traditional Custodians going out to sites that they identify and carrying out assessments of the sites. This occurred in late 2015 and late 2016 and a further number of sites were assessed in early 2017. From the assessment and reports, values, uses and objectives for the site are identified by the traditional owners.

When adequate information is gathered the AWA project will be assessed by Murray Lower Darling Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) in conjunction with local Traditional Custodians to support the ACT Water Resource Plan. MLDRIN is a representative body supporting 24 Aboriginal Nations across the lower Murray Darling Basin including Ngunnawal representation.

The AWA project will be ongoing basis as a component of monitoring and evaluation of selected sites and engagement of Traditional Custodians for the ACT Water Resource Plan.

Other highlights from the Aboriginal Natural Resource Management Program including supporting:

didgeridoo making workshops aimed at men’s groups;

Greening Australia to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through delivery of environmental and cultural programs in ACT schools;

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Traditional Custodians develop enterprises in cultural tourism;

the development of Greening Australia’s ACT Heritage Grant on identifying and protecting culturally modified trees in the ACT; and

ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) in community engagement projects and cultural heritage projects (i.e. Lower Cotter Catchment community consultation and Rock Art Monitoring Program).

GrantsThe Community Services Directorate supports participation and engagement of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through a number of other mechanisms. In 2016-17 this included:

Cultural Grants: to encourage and support ACT based community organisations to apply for financial support, in the form of a once-only grant to assist in a program or event that will promote wider understanding of the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT community. Six applicants were successful in receiving cultural grants totalling $21,880.

Scholarships: to encourage and support ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents to undertake study and training to enhance and support their employment prospects in the ACT, and further develop their skills and qualifications. Twenty-four applicants were successful in receiving the scholarship grants totalling $61,138.

Leadership Grants: To encourage and support ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop the knowledge and skills to be better equipped to lead and engage on behalf of their communities and organisations. Three applicants were successful in receiving leadership grants totalling $7,985.

Youth Advisory CouncilThe Community Services Directorate sought to improve access for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to other engagement forums including the Youth Advisory Council, which in 2016-17 amended its Terms of Reference to align with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement of providing a proxy in the absence of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Advisory Representative. Other examples of engagement are the Women’s Information Officer from the Office for Women who established a connection with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strong Women’s Group, and now provides outreach services on a fortnightly basis.

Opening Doors and the National Disability Insurance Scheme The Opening Doors program ran from September 2015 to February 2017 and aimed to improve access to high quality, culturally sensitive disability services for ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This was a part of many major projects completed in 2016-17 funded by the Commonwealth’s NDIS Sector Development Fund (SDF).

The project was funded $444,000 to:

provide support for Aboriginal controlled organisations to transition (or explore a transition) to deliver NDIS services; and

support for mainstream disability service providers to improve their service offering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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The Nous Group was contracted to provide assistance to Winnunga Nimmitijah and Gugan Gulwan to consider, or facilitate their entry into the NDIS as service providers. To date, neither provider has registered as an NDIS provider although a third small NSW based provider called Daargan was supported to register.

The Nous Group partnered with local Indigenous majority owned consultancy organisation Coolamon Advisors in its work with 13 mainstream providers who participated in a series of activities to develop strategies to overcome access barriers identified by community members.

The final report and developed resources were released in April 2017 and are available on the Community Services Directorate’s website at www.communityservices.act.gov.au .

Recognition of Traditional CustodiansThe Traditional Custodian’s project aims to assist Aboriginal families, and other stakeholders, to deepen their appreciation and come to agreement about Aboriginal people’s role and place in the wider ACT region’s history and heritage.

Following community consultation, the ACT Government will continue to hold genuine engagement that will build community leadership with an emphasis on healing past differences and will facilitate cross border engagement on mutual recognition.


Key Performance Indicators Measure Data 2015-16 2016-17

Strong cultural identity and feel empowered to promote their identify at home, work and in their communities

Provide opportunities to showcase, celebrate and increase community understanding about the cultural diversity of Canberra

Ability to attend and celebrate cultural festivals

Increasing number of ACT government employees accessing NAIDOC week leave

Increasing participation in NAIDOC week n.p. 36%

Increased cultural awareness of the community through celebrations of significant celebrations

n.p. 68%

Create an environment of cultural safety

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are comfortable to identify and practice culture through language

Increasing proportion of community who identify with clan, tribal or language group 64% n.p.

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http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/

Leadership

Empowering people, creating confidence and self-esteem

Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander RepresentationThe Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Representation project is a joint initiative between the Community Services Directorate and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body. It aims to strengthen the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in decision making and enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural identity. The project consists of three parts;

1. To strengthen the representational capacity of local Aboriginal elders

2. To develop an ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural strategy

3. A cultural proficiency program

In 2016-17, work has been undertaken to develop the Cultural Strategy and consultation has occurred. The project will be progressed further in 2017-18.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body The ACT Government continues to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and implement the review of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008 (the Act).

The review of the Act was tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly in August 2016. Following consultations with contributing stakeholders on the government response, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Amendment Bill 2017 was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 6 June 2017. The amendments strengthen the functions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body to consult and provide advice on systemic or whole-of-government issues. It clarifies the delineation of responsibility between the Elected Body and the ACT Government in the management of operational aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy and service provision.

The implementation of the review will continue to progress in 2017-18. Information on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body can be found at www.ATSIEB.com.au

During 2016-17, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body held the following:ATSIEB hearings ATSIEB meetings Community forums28 February 2017 15 July 2016 31 August 201612-13 April 2017 26 August 2016 (cancelled) 17 February 2017

12 September 2016 (cancelled)4 November 201612-13 April 2017

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http://www.ATSIEB.com.au/

United Ngunnawal Elders CouncilThe ACT Government continues to support the United Ngunnawal Elders Council (UNEC). UNEC provides advice to the ACT Government in relation to heritage and connection to land matters for the Ngunnawal people. UNEC also provides advice to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body in accordance with section 9 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB) Act 2008.

UNEC is made up of representatives nominated by each of the Ngunnawal family groups. The Council meets up to four times a year in Canberra at various locations, including community-based organisations. During 2016-17, UNEC held the following meetings: 13-14 October 2016, 15-16 December 2016 and 15-16 February 2017. Members attending included: Ms Roslyn Brown, Mr Fred Monaghan, Mrs Loretta Halloran (Bell), Mrs Agnes Shea OAM (Bulger), Mrs Laura Bell (Briar).

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Feel connected, and able to prepare for leadership of the community

Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership within the wider community

Increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the future of the community and be inclusive of the diversity of perspective within the community

Elevate the voice of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders though a Youth Council of the Elected Body

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Terms of Reference were amended to align with the Agreement to enable a proxy in the absence of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander YAC representative.

Elevate the voice of Elders through a Council of Elders of the Elected Body

Under consideration for 17-18

Create capacity of community to engage in leadership programs

Increased participation in Future Leaders, Future Elders program

To commence in 2017-18

Increased application and award of OATSIA Leadership Grants Program

Six applicants: grants totalling $30,060

Three applicants: grants totalling $7,985

Create an environment of inclusion and cultural safety within the ACT Government

Increasing proportion of completion of cultural competency program

Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs delivered an Introduction to Cultural Proficiency session to all CSD divisions, including participants from Housing ACT, JaCS and TCCS.

2017-18 Plans to extend training to include online modules under consideration.

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Appendix A: ReferencesACT GovernmentACT Government, ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015-2018ACT Government directorate annual reportsACT Health: (2014), Australian Capital Territory Chief Health Officer’s Report 2014, ACT Government, Canberra, ACT.ACT Education and Training Directorate, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education 2014–15, Report to the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital TerritoryACT Government, For strong families: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community and the ACT Budget, 2015–16 BudgetCommissioner for Public Administration; Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, ACT Public Service, State of the Service Reports (various years)Elections ACT, 2011 ATSIEB Election ReportElections ACT, 2014 ATSIEB Election Report

Australian GovernmentAustralian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Census of Population and Housing, 2011ABS, 4714.0 - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, 2014-15, ABS, 4727.0.55.001-Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: First Results, Australia, 2012–13, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) for NAPLAN results Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2014. Specialist homelessness services 2013–14. Cat. no. HOU 276. Canberra: AIHW. AIHW, ACT statistical profile - Specialist Homelessness Online Report (SHOR). Restricted accessAIHW 2015. Australian Capital Territory: youth justice supervision in 2013–14. Juvenile justice series no. 37. Cat. no. JUV 55. Canberra: AIHWAIHW 2016. Australian Capital Territory: youth justice supervision in 2014–15. Youth justice fact sheet no. 56. Cat. no. JUV 79. Canberra: AIHWCentre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU College of Social Arts and Social Sciences, CAEPR Working Paper No. 95/2014Council of Australian Governments, Closing the Gap in Indigenous Disadvantage [Internet] at https://www.coag.gov.au/closing_the_gap_in_indigenous_disadvantageCouncil of Australian Governments, National Indigenous Reform Agreement Council of Australian Governments: Report on Performance (2015)Australian Government, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Closing the Gap - Prime Minister’s Report 2015 Australian Government, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Closing the Gap - Prime Minister’s Report 2016

OtherThe Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee for Indigenous Health Equality, 2016. Close the Gap progress and priorities report 2016

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https://www.coag.gov.au/closing_the_gap_in_indigenous_disadvantage

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