Message from the Secretary
I am pleased to present the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2008-09.
As FaHCSIA's second RAP, it builds on our achievements of the first, reflects the Government's agenda and sets our path for building reconciliation at an organisational level.
Earlier this year we witnessed the Prime Minister's apology to the Stolen Generations and the Government's strong commitment to setting targets that will close the gaps on Indigenous disadvantage.
As the lead Government agency for Indigenous Affairs, FaHCSIA is committed to working with other departments to take the Government's agenda forward and, by doing so, help to build reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Our new RAP includes a number of prioritised actions focused on how we operate as an organisation to achieve our vision for reconciliation.
Developed through a working group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff from across all areas of the Department, the RAP addresses how we work together to build: a culture of mutually respectful relationships; understanding and respect for Indigenous culture; and better opportunities for our Indigenous staff.
Some of the key initiatives include: comprehensive cultural appreciation training for all staff; a whole of government publication and radio program for Indigenous communities; an event for Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day; the development of a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy; and improving Indigenous people's access to mainstream programs.
Each item has been given real and measurable targets that will be closely monitored at regular intervals over the coming year in the lead up to Reconciliation Week in 2009.
Jeff Harmer
Secretary
22 July 2008