1011.0 - ABS Reconciliation Action Plan, 2013-2016  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 23/05/2013  First Issue
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Relationships: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians working together for positive outcomes

Focus area: Building local connections
ObjectiveActionMeasureTimelineAccountability
1. Provide the opportunity for ABS employees to provide ongoing input into the development, ongoing review and progress of the RAP.1.1 Establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group by November 2012.1.1.1 Reference Group meets as agreed in Terms of Reference.Inaugural meeting held November 2012Director Workforce Strategies Section
1.2 From 2013 Consultative Forums and Population Survey Operations Working Group (PSOWG) forums include an annual agenda item on Workplace Diversity (including the WDAP and the RAP). 1.2.1 Feedback from Consultative Forums and the PSOWG Forum is provided to Workforce Strategies.Consultative Forums and the PSOWG Forum provide feedback annually (August)Consultative Forum and PSOWG Chairs
2. ABS employees appropriately engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.2.1 Prior to undertaking external engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ABS employees are expected to:
  • undertake cultural competency training;
  • be familiar with the ABS engagement cultural protocols;
  • consult with their local Indigenous Engagement Manager (IEM) and State and Territory Statistical Services (STSS) team to inform them of proposed engagement and seek assistance where appropriate; and
  • make contact with relevant community stakeholders (assisted by their local IEM and STSS team) and gain appropriate consent to proceed with engagement.
2.1.1 Each section/area undertaking external engagement to review these activities.

2.1.2 Feedback sought from PSO, IEMs and STSS sections as to the success of engagement activities.
Feedback sought annually (June) Line management of ABS employees engaging externally with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities
3. Provide opportunities for ABS staff to build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.3.1 Each July, ABS Central Office and Regional Office staff attend an event in their respective locations for NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) week.

Central Office event/s will be co-ordinated by Workforce Strategies with support from Central Office Resource Centres.

NAIDOC week celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in various fields.
3.1.1 Consultative Forum Chairs report to their Consultative Forum on NAIDOC week events that have occurred.Consultative Forums provide feedback annually (August)Resource Centre Heads/ CF Chairs
3.2 Each May/ June, ABS Central Office and Regional Office staff attend an event in their respective locations for Reconciliation week.

Central Office event/s will be co-ordinated by Workforce Strategies with support from Central Office Resource Centres.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.
3.2.1 Consultative Forum Chairs report to their Consultative Forum on Reconciliation week events that have occurred.Consultative Forums provide feedback annually (August)Resource Centre Heads/ CF Chairs
3.3 Elder or notable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person invited to speak at appropriate events.3.3.1 Consultative Forum Chairs report on the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait guest speaker and nature of talk. Consultative Forums provide feedback annually (August)Resource Centre Heads/ CF Chairs