Aboriginal Affairs Victoria

The Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report

July 2004 – June 2005

Figure 1: Front cover artwork

Cover: “Walk With Me” Aunty Valda Cook, Wurundjeri/BoonurongReproduced courtesy of the artist. “The words on the painting says it all, however you will note that in the top left hand corner this area depicts an elders meeting council, you will also see the Sun rising from the east of Victoria as it goes over the bay and into the central Australia.”

This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced, copied, transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical or graphic) without the prior written permission of the State of Victoria, Department for Victorian Communities. All requests and enquiries should be directed to the Copyright Officer, Department for Victorian Communities, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3001. General Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Foreword

I am pleased to present the Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report: July 2004–June 2005.

This report provides information on key initiatives in Indigenous affairs over the past year, a highlight of which was the amendment to Victoria’s Constitution recognising Aboriginal people’s unbroken connection to the land which became the colony of Victoria. The 2005-06 State Budget, together with the Government’s social policy statement Figure 2: Launch of Common A Fairer Victoria announced in May 2005, are Ground at Birrarung Marr blueprints to strengthen the partnership that has developed between the Victorian Government and the Indigenous community over the past five years. These two documents act as an action plan to improve the prosperity of Indigenous Victorians and signal a major shift in the way Government will work with Indigenous Victorians to break the cycle of disadvantage. The Bracks Government has significantly increased resources for Aboriginal programs in the past five years, however we recognise that ongoing reform is needed to change the way government works with Indigenous communities. We are investing in building skills and capacity within Aboriginal communities to improve access to services, opportunities and choices and to make real and lasting improvements to the lives of families. We will work with Victoria’s Indigenous communities to build on Victoria’s rich and little known Indigenous cultural heritage to create new jobs in tourism and land management and generate a better understanding of Indigenous issues. We will create a fairer Victoria. During the past year I have consulted widely with Aboriginal communities on the redrafting of cultural heritage legislation. The Government wants to increase Indigenous involvement in the management of Victoria’s vast array of natural assets and to ensure cultural heritage considerations are taken into account when land use decisions are being made. During the year I also consulted widely within the Indigenous community about their aspirations for a state-based representative arrangement following the demise of ATSIC. They told me a representative structure should be built from a base of strong and effective local bodies, upwards. We accept that it is important that Indigenous communities have a formal mechanism to develop working partnerships and engage with all levels of government. We also accept that we need to hear the views of Indigenous communities and people in determining how these new arrangements might work. Our Government will continue to work in partnership with the Indigenous community to ensure they share in Victoria’s prosperity. GAVIN JENNINGS MLC Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Contents

Building a new partnership with Indigenous Victorians ...... 6 Our Achievements ...... 7 Partnerships ...... 7 Land and Culture ...... 10 Economic Development and Participation ...... 17 Family and Community Health and Well-being ...... 25 Improved Justice Outcomes ...... 32 Strengthening the partnership for the future ...... 36 Indigenous Affairs in Victoria ...... 45 Indigenous community profile ...... 45 Indicators of Well Being ...... 47 Ministerial Roles ...... 49 Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) ...... 49 Advisory bodies ...... 49 Indigenous Policy Forums ...... 51 Building a new partnership with Indigenous Victorians The Government has worked in partnership with Aboriginal communities to further reconciliation and Aboriginal well-being. The impacts of dispossession of land and culture are still being felt by Indigenous Victorians. The cycle of disadvantage starts early. We view this as unacceptable and are taking action in partnership with Indigenous communities to break the cycle and improve Indigenous well-being. The Victorian Government and Victoria’s Indigenous communities have developed the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework as a whole of government approach to addressing Indigenous issues. The framework aims to achieve partnership across government and between government and Indigenous communities with particular emphasis on improving: • outcomes for Indigenous people; • coordination of government programs; • input and direction by Indigenous communities; and • approaches to service delivery The approach reflects the knowledge and understanding that issues facing Indigenous families and communities in Victoria are interconnected, and that new policy and service delivery approaches are required if progress is to be made. Five strategic areas for action have been identified: 1. Partnerships Recognising and respecting Indigenous people’s right to self-determination expressed through active partnerships with government that involve Indigenous Victorians in the planning, management and delivery of services. 2. Land and culture Delivering land justice to Indigenous Victorians and protecting Victoria’s Indigenous cultural heritage for future generations. 3. Economic development and participation Improving education and training outcomes to facilitate participation and economic development and facilitating the effective translation of benefits of greater cultural recognition, land ownership and community control into opportunities for business development, employment and economic independence. 4. Family and community health and well being Address individual and community well-being, knowledge, skills and identity of Indigenous Victorians through positive strategies. 5. Improved justice outcomes Addressing injustice and providing a safe and secure environment for Indigenous families and communities to live in. Over the past year this Government has implemented a range of programs and initiatives in each of these action areas. This report aims to provide an overview of our key initiatives for Indigenous Victorians. Our Achievements Partnerships

Initiatives involving Indigenous Victorians in the planning, management and delivery of services have been implemented across a range of government areas.

They demonstrate our commitment to building stronger Indigenous communities and a more equal partnership between government and Indigenous Victorians.

Shepparton COAG Aboriginal Initiative In 2004-05 the partnership with the Aboriginal Community in Shepparton has focused on the following key projects: Strategic Planning and Policy Unit (SPPU) The model for a SSPU was developed and finalised in 2004 with the aim of providing capacity for the Shepparton Aboriginal community to lead the way in planning and development for social, economic and cultural sustainability and equity. The CEO has been recruited and the Unit will be fully operational in early 2006. Education Pathways Strategy The Education Pathways Strategy is a whole of government/whole of community approach aimed at providing Aboriginal students with pathways to achieve higher educational aspirations and positive life choices to education, training and employment. The Strategy was developed through a planning process that culminated with a Community Forum and Education Summit in November 2004. Progress to date has included the development of: • performance indicators and a data collection process; • a kit that includes tools and strategies for supporting students’ attendance and also guidelines and a template for Koori individual learning plans. This will be implemented in schools in 2006; and • plans for an integrated family and children’s services hub. An evaluation framework for the strategy is currently being developed. Youth at the Centre The Youth at the Centre Project is working intensively with young Aboriginal people to: • assist them develop a broader sense of direction. • ensure that they have an ongoing role and are supported in participating in the COAG Initiative. • assist young people in initiating and supporting activities that enhance community connectedness and pride and affirm community strength, and • provide individual participants with training and support to achieve personal goals. To date five young people are involved in the project with processes in place to recruit a further 10 young people. Training in media and broadcasting has been provided and a project for identifying community assets has commenced.

Community Capacity Building Indigenous Community Capacity Building Program A number of initiatives have been funded in 2004-05 as part of the Government’s commitment to assist Indigenous organisations to build their capacity to deliver programs and services and to work with government. These include: • continued support for the CEO network; • Grampians Resource Model auspiced through Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative; • Victorian Indigenous Community Leadership Strategy in partnership with VicHealth and the Community Support Fund; and • a range of flexible operating grants to community organisations from the Indigenous Community Capacity Building Fund. Indigenous Community Capacity Building Fund (ICCBF) Sixteen ICCBF grants were made to Victorian Indigenous organisations in 2004-05. Grants were awarded for projects that showed a particular focus on professional development and training with an emphasis on developing or improving the capacity of community organisations to meet governance requirements. Projects funded included programs that develop comprehensive business management skills and knowledge; address local discrimination barriers to community participation, education and employment and build relationships with mainstream community service organisations. Community Building Demonstration Projects Four Indigenous specific community building demonstration projects were funded in 2004-05. Each project received $500,000 over three years to develop action plans that create positive improvements for their community by gathering the diverse knowledge, energy, ideas and resources of local people. The individual projects focused on capacity building at individual, organisational and community levels; and/or the identification of ways in which interaction with government might be enhanced for community benefit. The community projects funded in 2004-05 were in: • Shepparton to increase cultural tolerance and awareness; • Darebin to reduce the incidence of repeat offenders amongst the Indigenous community through the continuation of the Police Referral Project and to enhance the social wellbeing and connectedness of Indigenous men through the Indigenous component of the Men’s Shed Project; • Warrnambool with the establishment of a camp for young people in the region from Indigenous and newly arrived migrant families to develop cultural tolerance and acceptance; and • East Gippsland with celebration and reconciliation through the Reignite Project. Indigenous Community Infrastructure Program The Indigenous Community Infrastructure Program provides Victorian Indigenous communities with grants to develop the infrastructure required to run programs and provide services to their people. Major projects for 2004-05 include: • purchase of new premises for Songlines Aboriginal Corporation to develop an Indigenous Media Centre; • refurbishment of Narrendjeri House for the Victorian Aboriginal Housing Board1; and • redevelopment and upgrade of Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative Church. The Infrastructure Program also provides cyclical maintenance for Aboriginal community properties to ensure that community programs are conducted from appropriate and safe facilities and to maintain the value of the Government’s investment in these facilities. In addition 11 feasibility studies were conducted to ascertain the viability, cost and implications of proposed projects. Lake Tyers Community Renewal Project This project aims to build stronger services and facilities for the residents of Lake Tyers in East Gippsland, one of the most disadvantaged communities in Victoria. The Government in partnership with the Lake Tyers community is working to empower local residents to take control of their futures through a 10-year Community Renewal Project. This long-term initiative commenced in mid 2004. Amendments to the Aboriginal Lands Act In October 2004, the Aboriginal Lands (Amendment) Act 2004 was enacted to implement four reforms: • to improve access to Trust land at Lake Tyers for the provision of services, including health, policing, roads management and other community services; • to strengthen governance arrangements at Lake Tyers by providing for the temporary appointment of an administrator in limited circumstances.

1 Refurbishment of premises for the Aboriginal Housing Board was completed in December 2005.

• to make procedural changes to assist both the Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trusts to hold valid general meetings; and • to modernise the penalties for breaching offences in the Act. On the basis of these reforms an Administrator was appointed to the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust for 12 months. This appointment was supported by the former Trust committee members and local residents of the Lake Tyers community. Lake Tyers Community Renewal Plan The Lake Tyers Community Renewal Plan establishes a long term whole of government response to reduce social and economic disadvantage in the Lake Tyers Aboriginal community. The initiatives focus on building pride and community participation, enhancing the physical environment, reducing crime and promoting health and wellbeing. In the first six months of operation, police call outs to the Community reduced from approximately six per week to less than one per month. Community safety has improved and there has been a full return of government and community service providers to Lake Tyers. A local Community Safety Committee has been established as part of the broader network of Local Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees being established across the State.

Land and Culture The Victorian Government continues to implement both the symbolic and practical measures necessary to heal the legacy of our shared history and deliver land justice to Indigenous Victorians.

Reconciliation Constitutional Recognition for Indigenous Victorians With bipartisan support of the Parliament, the Constitution (Recognition of Aboriginal People) Act 2004 was passed and came into effect on 10 November 2004, making Victoria the first state in Australia to give constitutional recognition to Indigenous Australians. The Act amends Victoria’s constitution to recognise Aboriginal people as the original custodians of Victoria, with spiritual, social, cultural and economic relationships with their land and waters. Common Ground The development of a commemorative place to be known as Common Ground at Birrarung Marr was announced as a joint development with the City of Melbourne in March 2005. Due for completion in the first half of 2006, Common Ground will celebrate the ideals of reconciliation and acknowledge Aboriginal history. This significant cultural public art site has been designed by three prominent Victorian Aboriginal artists, Vicki Couzens, Lee Darroch and Treahna Hamm. Native Title Wotjobaluk Interpretation, Information and Education Project This project is enabling the Wotjobaluk people to archive and preserve the connection material that was provided in relation to their native title claim and aims to assist claimants in the resolution of native title claims2. Latji Latji Native Title Claim Settlement Negotiations Establishment support is being provided to the Latji Latji to assist the organisation to enter into negotiations with the State of Victoria for an Indigenous Land Use Agreement over a native title claim. The North West Regional Agreement A group of claimants in the North West approached the Government and advised that rather than negotiate their claims individually, they wanted to explore the negotiation of a regional agreement with the State. The claimants are being assisted to form a regional grouping and legal entity that the Government can negotiate with in order to deliver outcomes to Indigenous communities in North West Victoria. Gunditjmara Native Title Negotiations The Gunditjmara people are being assisted to participate in ongoing native title negotiations.

Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Partnerships The government is continuing to work collaboratively with Aboriginal people and organisations across the state to manage, protect and interpret Victoria’s unique cultural heritage. Aboriginal people are recognised as the decision makers in cultural heritage management. Work has focussed on strengthening community capacity in all aspects of cultural heritage as well as strengthening partnerships. Achievements in 2004-05 include: • provision of accredited training to students through the Aboriginal cultural heritage field school at Barmah; • completion of strategic heritage management projects to meet community identified priorities; • providing funding for the Regional Cultural Heritage Program;

2 A Federal Court decision ratifying native title rights for Indigenous people in the Wimmera region was announced on _3 December 2005. This decision recognised the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk peoples as descendants of traditional owners of the Wimmera while maintaining the rights of current land owners.

• supporting management works in Aboriginal heritage places to protect significant heritage values, for example, Wallpolla Island, Boole Poole Peninsula and Ebenezer Mission; • statewide consultation on proposals for improved heritage legislation; and • completion of Long Ago, Here Today, a discussion paper on the development of an Aboriginal cultural heritage management strategy. Accredited Training in Cultural Heritage Management In 2004-05, an Aboriginal cadetship program was established for tertiary students who wish to pursue a career in cultural heritage management. Three accredited skill training programs were delivered to regional Aboriginal community groups in 2004-05. This training was directed at Aboriginal people who are regularly called on to represent community interests on commercial and infrastructure development projects. A field investigation and training program, delivered at Barmah in May 2005 provided accredited heritage skill training for 22 Aboriginal people from across the State in land and cultural resource management. The training was delivered through the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), and resulted in the partial completion of a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Strategy An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Strategy is under development to strengthen processes for protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage. The Government’s objectives for the Strategy are to: • recognise and promote Aboriginal community involvement in managing cultural heritage; • build partnerships between Aboriginal communities, Government and other organisations and individuals whose activities may have an impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage; and to • promote consideration of Aboriginal cultural heritage as an integral part of land and natural resource management. A discussion paper was released in October 2004 following Aboriginal community consultation. The final strategy is expected to be released in 2006. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Legislation The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs consulted with Aboriginal communities on the development of new cultural heritage legislation in late 2004. The Aboriginal community supported the development of new legislation, and identified a range of strengths and weaknesses in current legislation that needed to be considered. New Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation will aim to provide effective protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage and broaden Aboriginal community involvement in decision- making processes3.

3 An exposure draft has been developed and was released for consultation in October 2005. Bunjilaka at Melbourne Museum Bunjilaka provides a meeting place for Aboriginal communities and an exhibition space for the presentation, interpretation and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, philosophies and issues with a focus on south-eastern Australia. Bunjilaka provides an ongoing program of daily, weekend and holiday activities delivered to visitors throughout the year. In 2004-05, 367 school groups booked tours and educational activities. Bunjilaka has 3,500 supporters and a visitor experience approval rating of 95 percent.

Art Promotion and Protection Kirrit Barreet Art Gallery and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Centre (Ballarat) Construction of the Kirrit Barreet Art Gallery and Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Ballarat was undertaken as a joint development with the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co- operative and the Community Support Fund. Construction of the project commenced in early 2004 and practical completion of the building works occurred in April 2005. Work is continuing on landscaping and other exterior work. Aboriginal Artists Development Trust The Trust was established in November 2004 to act as a governing body for the Indigenous Art industry. It's aims are to address exploitation, provide training and career opportunities and ensure economic benefits flow on to the artists and the Indigenous community. The Trust has developed a three-year strategic plan and forged strong links into the Indigenous Arts industry. Urbaninity 2 Launched on 27 May 2005 at Dante’s Gallery in Fitzroy, Urbaninity 2 is an exhibition celebrating South Eastern Australian Indigenous artists. It is the second exhibition of South Eastern Australian Indigenous artists sponsored by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria during Reconciliation Week. The previous exhibition Urbaninity was initially hung in Queens Hall during Reconciliation Week 2004 and later moved to Bunjilaka during NAIDOC Week in July 2004. All featured works were available for sale with all proceeds returning to the artists. First Hand This initiative was a media project for young Indigenous people in Melbourne and regional areas providing the skills to explore questions of culture and identity through the moving image. Six films by young Indigenous people about culture and identity were launched in ACMI Cinemas on 30 June 2005 with screenings on Songlines, Channel 31.

The program has also resulted in new audiences for Indigenous content in film and media. Biennial Award for Indigenous Writing The inaugural Premier’s literary prize for Indigenous writing was established in 2004. This biennial prize is designed to reward and promote books in all literary categories written by Aboriginal or Torres Strait authors. This includes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, works for children, biographies and memoirs. The winner in 2004 was Her Sister’s Eye by Vivienne Cleven (University of Queensland Press), a novel that provides an insight into growing up and living ‘black’ in Australia.

Land Management Indigenous Partnership Strategy The Indigenous Partnership Strategy (IPS) provides the opportunity for Government to build effective relationships with the Indigenous community to work together to manage Victoria’s natural resources. Key outcomes in the eight key strategic initiatives to date are summarised in Table 1. Cultural heritage and land and resource management initiatives progressed included: Post-bushfire Cultural Heritage Initiative The 2003-04 alpine bushfires resulted in the documentation of the rich Aboriginal archaeological heritage of the region, which had previously been hidden by vegetation. As part of a $70.6 million Bushfire Recovery Program, 14 Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys were conducted across 10,000 hectares of burnt land. More than 350 new sites have been documented with the artefacts left in situ after being recorded and photographed. Crags Cultural Heritage Interpretation Site There are a large number of significant Aboriginal sites, including shell middens, burial sites and meeting places, along the Moyne coast. The Crags Coastal Reserve, west of Port Fairy, is an important coastal archaeological site, occupied by Aboriginal people for over three thousand years prior to European settlement. The area is also a tourist and visitor destination for fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving, and passive recreation of enjoying the views. The Moyne Shire Council, together with Framlingham Aboriginal Trust has developed a management plan for the Crags area to protect, maintain and preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage values, protect the native vegetation, environmental values and biodiversity, and to manage visitor use at this popular location. Walpolla Island State Forest Indigenous Co-Management was established for the new Archaeological and Natural Interest Reserve within the Wallpolla Island State forest. The reserve protects important Indigenous cultural sites. A Committee of Management was established in January 2005. Prior to the establishment of the Committee, local Aboriginal people in partnerships with government spent two years rehabilitating and protecting six Aboriginal burial sites in the area. The HEeling Walk This initiative involved Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in a catchment walk that followed the migration of the eels from Lake Bolac to the coast. The Walk culminated in an Eel Festival of music, food and culture. The aim of the Walk was to raise awareness of the cultural issues and foster mutual respect and understanding between communities. The event provided a great opportunity to focus on the long association of Indigenous people and the eel migration, and the links between our catchments and the coast. Indigenous Land Management Framework The Indigenous Land Management Framework (ILMF) discussion paper was released in November 2004. This paper describes Indigenous land and resource management aspirations and has provided the context for further development of the Framework. The second stage of the ILMF will develop a draft ILMF taking into account feedback received from the discussion paper consultation process. Land Management Training A two-year study program designed to train Indigenous Victorians as public land managers has been established. The program in partnership with the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE provides academic training and ongoing employment for Indigenous Victorians in conservation and land management, as field service officers, visitor service officers and park rangers. To date 24 Indigenous students have enrolled to study the Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management. VicRoads Geelong Bypass Project VicRoads Geelong Bypass Project and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative (WAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out protocols for the management of Indigenous issues linked to the construction project. Ongoing consultation has been carried out with the WAC throughout pre construction activities, including the employment of a WAC monitoring personnel. The MoU shows commitments from VicRoads that ensures due diligence in protecting registered Aboriginal heritage sites and any new sites yet to be discovered. It also sets out monitoring protocols during construction and the salvage of artefacts to ensure heritage values are preserved during construction. The WAC has agreed to adopt strategies to minimise disruption and co-operate with the construction schedule of the project. The agreement also provides employment opportunities for the Aboriginal community. VicRoads Environmental Services A new Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage Agreement template has been developed and released to ensure Indigenous input into road projects, to strengthen relationships with Indigenous stakeholders and to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage is managed in a consistent and effective way. Agreements and protocols have been developed for the following projects: • Cobram-Barooga Bridge Project; • Geelong Bypass Project; and • Bass Highway (Stage 4). Draft agreements have been prepared in relation to: • Calder Corridor • Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council area • Echuca Murray River Bridge Project • Robinvale-Euston Bridge Project • Bass Highway Corridor.

Table 1: Key outcomes for the Indigenous Partnership Strategy in 2004-2005

Key Strategic Outcomes during 2004-2005 Initiative

Indigenous Cultural A total of 40 Indigenous Cultural Awareness Programs have Awareness Programs been conducted across the state. Local Indigenous community members are involved in the delivery of ICAP programs within each region.

Indigenous Wimmera Indigenous Resource Management Partnership community (WIRMP). The WIRMP was formed to facilitate information on partnerships native title and Cultural Heritage encouraging a whole of government approach to the respective legislation and to land and resource management. This partnership has developed a nationally accredited cultural awareness course “Engaging Indigenous Communities” (Cultural Heritage and Native Title) and was awarded a Diversity Award by the Department of Sustainability and Environment for developing improved projects/programs that include engagement activities appropriate for Indigenous communities.

Capacity building of Indigenous trainee positions are available for participants Victoria’s Indigenous enrolled in Ballarat University’s Conservation and Land communities Management Course. Cultural Heritage, • The Indigenous Land Management Framework (ILMF) land and natural discussion paper was launched in November 2004. resource • management As part of the Bushfire Recovery Program 14 Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys were conducted across 10,000 hectares of burnt land. • Crags Cultural Heritage Interpretation site, Port Fairy. • Wallpolla Island State Forest, management of new archaeological and Natural Interest Reserve. • Return to Country Project to facilitate the return of skeletal remains and the ongoing maintenance of internment sites. • The HEeling Walk, a catchment walk following the migration of the eels from Lake Bolac to the coast. • PLAnet, training for Indigenous Cultural Officers and Government Planners on Victorian Aboriginal cultural heritage and the Victorian Planning Scheme.

Indigenous In the 2004-05 fire season 25 Indigenous Project Fire Fighters employment were engaged to help suppress fires, doubling the number employed in 2003-04.

Indigenous economic Regional Koori Business Opportunity Forums have been held development in a number of regions, including a bush foods forum in the South West region.

Communication A communication strategy is being prepared as part of the new Indigenous Partnership Framework. The communication strategy will include both external consultation and internal communication elements. It will also provide a vehicle for positive promotion of Indigenous projects and activities.

Economic Development and Participation

A range of initiatives aimed at providing economic independence have been supported. Partnerships across government, between governments and with the Indigenous community have improved pathways into education and employment and encouraged business development.

Better Education Outcomes Koori Education Development Officers Sixteen Koori Education Development Officers were employed to support and promote the implementation of Indigenous education policy, with a particular focus on the provision of curriculum and professional development support to schools. They also participated in the planning, development and coordination of Koori education programs and supported the Regional Koori Education Committees. In 1998, 746 schools delivered curriculum or units of work involving Indigenous perspectives. This increased to 768 schools in 2004. Koori Home School Liaison Officers Koori Home School Liaison Officers provided support to targeted school communities to improve attendance levels of Indigenous students. They provided assistance and advice to schools (such as suggesting school-based strategies to support improved attendance), families (including referrals to relevant services) and Indigenous students. Eight Home School Liaison Officers contributed to improved attendance and apparent retention rates for Indigenous students in targeted schools. The apparent retention rate for Indigenous students in Years 10-12 was 43.8% in 2004, an increase of 6.8% from 2000. Data received from targeted schools show improvements of approximately 10% in attendance rates for Indigenous students. Koori Educators Koori Educators are allocated to schools with high numbers of Indigenous students to provide classroom support, and to act as a liaison between schools and families of Indigenous students. They play a valuable role in contributing to improved attendance and retention levels of Koori students. To assist in their role in working with schools, Indigenous students and families, Koori Educators were supported to undertake the Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, a national qualification specifically developed for Indigenous education workers. In 2004-05 there were 56 Koori Educator positions with 30 Koori Educators enrolled in the Certificate III course. Twelve Koori Educators have successfully completed the course, while eight students are close to completion, and four students left the course for positions of greater responsibility or further studies. Koori Open Door Education (KODE) Campuses The KODE Bureau was established with a Senior Educator, Business Manager and four teaching consultants to facilitate autonomy for the four KODE campuses and develop new models of education provision designed to improve student outcomes. The KODE campuses have resulted in: • improved participation, skill development and educational outcomes for Koori students; and • a focus on cultural recognition, acknowledgement and support. Koori Intern Teacher Project This project provides an opportunity for Koori Educators to enter the teaching profession with a well developed orientation towards children. The aim is to increase the number of qualified Indigenous teachers in schools and improve employment opportunities and educational outcomes for Indigenous students. In 2004, seven intern positions were supported. One intern has taken up a teaching position. Revival and Reclamation of Victorian Indigenous Languages This initiative aimed to provide all senior students with the opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture and Indigenous languages of Victoria, increase awareness of Aboriginal history and issues facing Indigenous communities today. Units 1-4 of the VCE Indigenous Languages of Victoria: Revival and Reclamation study design were implemented in two schools in 2004, with 28 students enrolled. To support the implementation of this VCE subject, professional development is being undertaken with Indigenous community groups and ongoing meetings are held with Indigenous community members. Indigenous community members have participated in regional language forums to consider the teaching of Indigenous languages, and there has been a growth of Indigenous language awareness in the primary sector. The VCE History study design including Unit 2: Koori History will be fully implemented in 2005. Koori Links Projects Three Koori Links projects operated in a number of sites across Victoria. The projects aim to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for Indigenous students at key points in their early and middle years education through strategies developed in partnership between students, parents, community leaders, teachers and Koori Educators learning together. Key outcomes for the Literacy Links Project in 2004 include: • participation by 187 Indigenous students across eight government schools in Victoria; • 149 of the 187 Indigenous students involved made improvements in Reading Recovery levels; • 131 of the Indigenous Students involved made improvements in their Curriculum Standards Framework (CSF) level for speaking; • 134 improved in CSF level for reading; and • 135 improved in writing. Koori Literacy Project Officers Koori Literacy Officers provided support to targeted school communities to improve literacy levels of Indigenous students through identification and modelling of inclusive teaching and learning approaches and resources. The Officers have contributed to improved literacy outcomes for Indigenous students at targeted schools. Data collected at targeted schools reveals that the majority of students working with a Koori Literacy Project Officer made improvements in literacy abilities in terms of the CSF levels. In 2004, 68.5% of targeted Prep to Year 10 students were at the expected CSF level. This is higher than in previous years. The Academy for Sport Health and Education (ASHE) Program ASHE is a joint initiative of the Victorian Government, Rumbalara Football Netball Club in Shepparton and the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. By using sport as a basis for general education, the ASHE program aims to address school drop out rates among Indigenous young people. It has the potential to develop meaningful pathways for Aboriginal and other young people currently disengaged from education and training using sport as a vehicle to achieve these aims. There are currently 35 students enrolled in the academy through various levels of involvement. The Certificate II in Sport is the first in a range of innovative programs being developed. The six-month certificate course will require students to undertake core units in Sport and Recreation while choosing to specialise in either Australian Rules football or netball. While the Certificate II focuses on health, life skills and general education, students also undertake electives in the areas of personal development, leadership, computers and literacy and numeracy and will participate in a work experience program in the second half of the semester. Students receive a nationally recognised qualification together with Level 1 coaching accreditation and a Level 2 first-aid certificate. Indigenous Training Centres Two Indigenous training centres have been built at Lake Tyers and Barmah. These centres have been built to service, connect and support communities in these remote areas where training resources are limited. Partnerships between the centres, local Indigenous communities, the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated and the Department of Education and Training are in place. Partnerships with local TAFE institutes are being developed. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Pathways As part of the Priority Education and Training program, funding was provided for an increased level of Vocational Education and Training (VET) for people who are not apprentices or trainees, in skills and regions that have been identified as industry and government priorities. This included funding for Indigenous education and training. Funding is provided to TAFE institutions on an annual basis to support Indigenous participation at TAFE. Specific initiatives varied from institution to institution. The Victorian Qualifications Authority is undertaking a project to develop a catalogue of Indigenous studies. This will bring the diverse range of programs and units with an Indigenous focus together with a common protocol or standard. The project will also identify gaps in the existing provision of programs and units. The Victorian Qualifications Authority is also undertaking a project on Indigenous VET pathways to examine the experience of Indigenous students through VET. The focus will be on pathways, planning, support and advice, credit provision for past achievements and employment and study outcomes.

Building a strong economic base Koori Business Network (KBN) The Koori Business Network addresses Indigenous disadvantage through the provision of programs and initiatives to assist in the sustainable social and economic growth of Koori communities and businesses throughout Victoria. The KBN delivers an industry growth program in the areas of aquaculture, bushfoods, art and cultural tourism with the development of strategic policies, support networks and industry development. The KBN has also established partnerships and shared industry positions with Tourism Victoria and Arts Victoria. KBN provided support in the establishment of the Aboriginal Tourism Marketing Association (ATMA) through assistance with a marketing campaign that included collateral and a tailored website. Key strategies supported by KBN throughout 2004-05 include: Deadly Arts Business The Deadly Arts Business is an industry strategy delivered by KBN in partnership with Arts Victoria that stimulates economic development opportunities in the Victorian Indigenous arts sector, and progresses the development of distinctively Victorian contemporary Aboriginal arts practice. To date the Deadly Arts Business has had an audience reach of approximately 11,500 across all its activities. Table 2: Deadly Arts Business

Activity No. of Attendees

2004 Deadly Arts Business Conference 140

Deadly Expressions Performing Arts Showcase 4000

Tribal Expressions exhibition series 1550

Deadly Expressions catalogue distribution 4500

The Deadly Expressions catalogue was developed from the Tribal Expressions exhibition series 1, 2 & 3 and is one component of Deadly Arts Business This series of exhibitions: • brought together over 50 established and developing artists from across the state, including regional representation from Bairnsdale, Echuca, Kerang, Koroit, Healesville, Lakes Entrance, Melbourne, Morwell, Mildura, Robinvale, Toora and Warragul; • exhibited 176 works across a range of media – from paintings and prints to ceramics and glasswork to weapons and carved emu eggs; • saw over $70,000 in sales going directly to the artists; • 64% of the works were sold; and • attracted buyers from major cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum and the Koorie Heritage Trust. Developing Industry Development Program This program aims to establish strategic partnerships between Government, non- Government agencies, private sector and Indigenous communities for economic policy development and delivery leading to sustainable Indigenous industries. Key activities included: • three Indigenous aquaculture enterprises in Orbost, Framlingham and Echuca supported; • four pilot programs developed in Aquaculture and Bushfoods; and • incorporation of statewide Indigenous Seafood Group (VISC) in November 2004. Business Support Services This strategy recognises the need for well-developed and supported mechanisms to provide professional mentoring and counselling programs. Activities supported included: • redevelopment of Deadly Arts Mentoring Program – Take me to Your Mentor, and • development of KBN Mentoring Program, and • provision of supported access to Indigenous business with 430 business contacts made. Growing Leadership Capacity By addressing the major impediments that restrict growth and development of Indigenous businesses in Victoria, this program supports Indigenous business to effectively participate in and contribute to Victoria’s economic growth. Key activities included: • 19 businesses participated in a diagnostic review of their tourism business. Recommendations of the review will form the basis for continuous improvement through planning, marketing and training; • professional development program developed to provide support to Indigenous business through a small grants based program; • supported 12 Indigenous businesses to participate in the Australian Tourism Exchange; and • launch of KBN database in June 2005. Developing and Maintaining Business Networks This program facilitates the development and maintenance of networks between Indigneous business operators and the broader business community. Activities in 2004- 05 included: • redevelopment of the pre-business training program Stepping into Business; • delivery of three pre-business workshops in Echuca, Robinvale and Lakes Entrance to a total of 29 participants; • delivery of state-wide workshops on Bushfood (2), Aquaculture (4) and the Arts (4) attended by a total of 182 participants. Raising Awareness of Indigenous Enterprises, Products and Services The following activities promoted awareness of Indigenous enterprises, products and services across local, national and international markets: • the KBN quarterly newsletter on Indigenous businesses currently has a distribution list of 5,000; • during Reconciliation Week 2005,15 Indigenous businesses and 10 Indigenous artists were profiled in Federation Square. A number of limited edition prints were displayed that were sent to Aichi World Expo in Japan for Victoria Week. Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Respecting Indigenous Communities Strategy Officially launched on 13 May 2005, the Strategy recognises, respects and celebrates Victoria’s Indigenous communities and identifies ways to showcase and grow Indigenous Victoria through Games-related business, employment, training and volunteer opportunities. Wur-cum barra Wur-cum barra, the Victorian Government’s Indigenous Employment Strategy aims to improve Indigenous employment opportunities and promote diversity within the public sector workforce. Wur-cum barra is concerned with capacity building and pathways, induction and retention, career development, changing workplace culture and supporting Indigenous employment in government funded community organisations and public sector agencies as well as in public sector departments. There has been a significant increase in Indigenous employment related activity throughout the public sector which is likely to increase the number of Indigenous Victorians seeking employment in the public sector. This includes: • targeting employment information to Indigenous communities including career fairs; • development of cultural awareness training that will be incorporated into corporate training calendars; and • the introduction of scholarship or cadetship programs. As at 30 June 2005, an additional 142 Indigenous people are employed in the public sector. A further 72 Indigenous people were employed on traineeships, scholarships and cadetships4. Table 3 shows progress towards achieving the Wur-cum barra employment targets. Table 3: Wur-cum barra progress: January 2002 to June 2005

Wur-cum barra Progress Estimate 2002* Indigenous staff

4 This figure does not include positions funded in Indigenous Community Organisations. If this data had been included, the overall figure would be higher. January 2002 – June 2005 at 30 June 2005

Ongoing Fixed term Ongoing Fixed term

VPS Core Departments 88 24 181 73

Traineeships n/a n/a - 17

Scholarships n/a n/a - 50

Cadetships n/a n/a - 5

Total Indigenous staff in public sector 181 145

*An estimate for 2002 was necessary because of errors and difficulties in previously reported data. Ladders to Success Ladders to Success facilitates the transition of Indigenous people into the workforce. The program works with individuals to identify where they want to be and maps a pathway of how they can achieve their employment goals. The program is a three year project jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments in partnership with the Greater Shepparton City Council. The targeted outcomes of the current project include: • training of 150 Indigenous job seekers including mentoring support, pre- employment training and on-the-job training; • provision of cross cultural awareness programs for employers; and • 100 Indigenous permanent full-time job placements over the project’s life. Community Jobs Program (CJP) The Community Jobs Program provides unemployed job seekers with up to 15 weeks full-time employment and 110 hours of accredited training. Two projects were funded in 2004-05 to provide employment and skills training to Indigenous job seekers: • The Koorie Heritage Trust Inc – Melbourne Indigenous Tourism Project aims to develop Indigenous tourism for the M2006 Commonwealth Games. • The Sunraysia Skills Centre – Energy Taskforce Sunraysia Project aims to retrofit approximately 300 houses owned by the Office of Housing, Loddon Mallee Housing and the Mildura Aboriginal Corporation, which are tenanted by Indigenous low income earners. Consumer Affairs The Indigenous Consumers Unit provides advice and assistance to Indigenous people and community groups on tenancy and consumer matters, through a 1300 enquiry line and the delivery of targeted education campaigns. In 2004-05 the Unit visited 20 communities and responded to 598 telephone enquiries. Many of the enquiries related to credit and debt and the operation of Indigenous co- operatives and associations. The Keys for Community project was delivered to five Indigenous communities throughout Victoria. This project raises awareness and understanding of the roles of relevant government and community funded agencies, within Indigenous communities. Several publications addressing issues identified by the Indigenous Consumers Unit were also designed specifically for Indigenous consumers. The publications were distributed across the state and are also available on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website at http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Family and Community Health and Well-being

Effective partnerships and positive strategies have been the focus of Government initiatives to improve Indigenous well-being.

Stolen Generations Stolen Generations Organisation The establishment of the Stolen Generations Organisation of Victoria was announced on 26 May 2005. The initial Board of Directors has been appointed, and is being chaired by Ms Lisa Bellear, a member of the Stolen Generations. When fully operational the Organisation will provide: • advocacy and representation; • counselling and case management; • group programs for self-help and peer support; and • policy, research and public education. The Organisation is in the process of recruiting a Chief Executive Officer and core operational staff. Finding your story: A resource manual to the records of the Stolen Generations in Victoria Finding Your Story provides a comprehensive and cohesive resource of government and non-government record and archival collections in Victoria relevant to the Stolen Generations and their families. Records relevant to forcibly removed Aboriginal children and their families can assist searchers to discover their true identity, to locate family members and to begin the process of reunion. As well as in printed form the Finding Your Story Resource Manual is available online at http://www.prov.vic.gov.au/findingyourstory Indigenous Family Violence Strategy On the 11 November 2004, the Government released its response to the final report of the Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Taskforce Report. This response provided the foundation for the Government and Indigenous communities to work in partnership to reduce high levels of family violence in the Indigenous community and endorsed the key recommendations of the final report of the Taskforce. The initiatives include: • Establishment of a Partnership Forum with representatives from Government and the Indigenous Communities, to develop a ten year plan to prevent, reduce and respond to family violence in Indigenous communities5; • Community Initiatives Fund grants for projects and activities to develop local responses to family violence issues; • Holistic Healing Services and Time Out Services; • Scholarships for Indigenous tertiary students studying counselling; and a • Men’s Resource Advisory Service. Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Groups are a key link between Government and the Aboriginal community in the development of local solutions and responses to family violence. At a local level, they form important alliances with RAJAC and LAECG representatives. Ten Indigenous Family Violence Regional Support Workers and a statewide coordinator assist the Regional Action Groups. The Chairs of the Regional Action Groups have met on a regular basis and provided advice to Government on a range of family violence initiatives.

Better Health Outcomes Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service The Healing Service will be a state-wide, residential rehabilitation service provided within the context of a culturally appropriate, youth specific spiritual healing model. The Service will aim to: • help Koori youth recover from substance abuse issues; • provide ongoing support to Koori youth to assist reintegration into community living; and • promote lasting change. An architect and quantity surveyor have been appointed and site selection has commenced. The service provider appointment process is underway. Going Forward Together Strategy The Going Forward Together Strategy builds on work already underway to respond to the Home and Community Care (HACC) needs of the Indigenous Community. It has been developed in consultation with the Victorian Indigenous Committee on Ageing and Disability (VICACD).

5 Partnership Forums have been held in April 2005, August 2005 and December 2005.

A number of projects have commenced which will build the evidence base for future development of culturally appropriate HACC services for Indigenous people in partnership with Aboriginal and other agencies. The projects include: • Training initiative which aims for all HACC workers to have Certificate III in Community Services. To date 13 Indigenous HACC workers have completed Certificate III, 9 of whom have since begun a Victoria University Advanced Diploma of Business Management. • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services and resources directory linked to the Department of Human Services’ Services Directory to assist workers in referring Indigenous clients to local and culturally relevant services6. • Assessment coordination – Assessment Coordinators have been created and filled in metro and Loddon Mallee Regions. Problem Gambling Local Partnership Scheme The Community Partnership Strategy is a component of the overarching Problem Gambling Strategy and aims to bring together people and organisations to improve their understanding of problem gambling issues and their ability to help people and their families affected by problem gambling. Partnership projects have been funded with the following agencies: • Njernda Aboriginal Corporation • Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative Disability Services A range of disability services have been provided to Indigenous people throughout 2004- 05. Through the Support and Choice Initiative 18 Indigenous people with a disability have been provided with supports based on their individualised plan. Supports have been provided through a range of mainstream, disability specific and Aboriginal community organisations, based on the person’s choice. The focus is on enhancing social connections and achieving outcomes important to the individual and their family. Consultations between Headway Victoria and Aboriginal organisation representatives have led to an agreed pilot model to support access to Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) services and provide education and secondary consultation. The provision of Indigenous specific respite and flexible support packages has also continued with respite and flexible support being provided to 47 people in 2004-05. Koori Maternity Services Program The Koori Maternity Services Program provides culturally appropriate support through employment of Koori health workers and midwives outreaching to women from 10 Aboriginal community controlled health organisations. Through this program more Aboriginal women are accessing antenatal care in a supportive environment, and this is associated with better outcomes.

6 The Directory was launched in July 2005. Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients (ICAP) Implementation of Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients (ICAP) commenced. This new approach was developed alongside an increase in the Weighted Inlier Equivalent Separation (WIES) co-payment to 30% for identified Aboriginal patients. ICAP builds on the Koori Hospital Liaison Officer (KHLO) Program and aims to improve access to health services for Aboriginal people, ensure that Aboriginal patients receive culturally sensitive care and appropriate referrals, establish a whole of health service responsibility for meeting the needs of Aboriginal patients, and promote partnerships with health services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in the planning of health services. Two project officers (metropolitan and regional) have been appointed to assist health services to improve access for Aboriginal patients. Changes are evident in a range of services, with consolidation of new service system expected to occur over the next 2 financial years. Mental Health Services A number of initiatives have been funded in 2004-05 to improve the provision of mental health services to Indigenous people. These include: • Provision of 5 acute psychiatric inpatient beds for use by Indigenous clients at St Vincent’s Hospital; • Koori Liaison Officers in mental health services to provide a link between Koori Community Health Services and Area Mental Health services and information and support to Indigenous people who are clients; • Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) Koori Liaison worker at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) to advise and train RCH workers in culturally sensitive practice; and the • Rural Carers Initiative which funds Indigenous home-based outreach support workers in each Region to support carers and their family members with mental illness in order to prevent the breakdown and/or support the restoration of kinship networks.

Early childhood Aboriginal Best Start Aboriginal Best Start is a prevention and early intervention project that aims to improve the health, development, learning and wellbeing of Aboriginal children from pregnancy to transition to school. The development of Best Start projects has been informed by the research report The Aboriginal Best Start Status Report published in January 2004 which documents the health, education and wellbeing status of Aboriginal Children in Victoria from 0 to 8 years. The Djillay Lidji (Baw Baw/Morwell and District) Aboriginal Best Start Demonstration Project was launched in September 2004. The Delkaia Best Start project was established in Horsham and District in October 2004. Local partnerships of education, health, family service providers, Aboriginal service providers, parents and Elders have been formed to develop and implement an action plan to address local need. Partnerships are focussed on addressing key outcome indicators in health and wellbeing; education and schooling and housing and child protection. The University of Melbourne will be undertaking an evaluation of the two projects. Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice and Support Service This service provides a joint response with child protection to every Aboriginal child who is notified to child protection from the point of notification to the conclusion of child protection involvement. The intended outcomes of the service include: • providing an Indigenous perspective in the risk and safety assessment; • improving case planning and decision-making concerning Aboriginal children/young people who are involved with Child Protection Services; • improving the engagement of Aboriginal families and their children with relevant support services; and • improving the involvement of Aboriginal family and community members in the support of Aboriginal Child Protection clients. Koori Early Childhood Education Program (KECEP) The KECEP aims to increase and enhance the participation of Indigenous children and their families in kindergarten programs. It also seeks to encourage kindergarten programs to embrace Koori culture and become more culturally inclusive. In 2004, 534 Indigenous children attended kindergarten, a seven percent increase from 2003. Table 4 shows Indigenous participation in kindergarten (as a percentage of grade prep enrolments). Table 4: Indigenous participation in kindergarten

Kindergarten Kindergarten Grade Prep Kindergarten Year/ Enrolments Enrolments Participation Rate Grade Prep (Govt and Year Catholic Schools)

(Source: DHS CHISOL (Source: DE&T (Kindergarten Kindergarten Enrolment and Catholic Enrolments as a % of Data) Education Grade Prep Commission) Enrolments)

1999/2000 374 602 62%

2000/2001 394 583 68%

2001/2002 467 630 74%

2002/2003 462 579 80%

2003/2004 499 718 69%

2004/2005 534 680 79%

Koori Kindergarten Inclusion Kit A Koori kindergarten inclusion kit has been developed to promote the value of kindergarten programs to Indigenous children and their families. The kit aims to Increase kindergarten teachers’ knowledge and understanding of how best to meet the needs of Indigenous children and their families. Indigenous Sport and Recreation The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program aims to encourage active participation and skill development of Indigenous people in sport. In 2004-05 the focus was on increasing active participation of Indigenous people in sport, improving the capacity of local Indigenous communities to run and organise sports activities and increasing the number of sports programs developed in collaboration with other agencies. Achievements include: • over 20 joint programs conducted with sport and recreation organisations including the Victorian Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation (VAYSAR) football and netball carnival and the Koori women’s golf program; • over 10 training workshops delivered to educate community members in how to conduct traditional games activities; • junior basketball competition established in partnership with the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative; • implementation of a club development governance program at Brunswick Power Football Club; and • partnership with Wimmera Sports Assembly in Horsham to plan and develop a healthy walking program for Indigenous community members of all ages. Wanderers Mentor Initiative – Athlete Development Association (Ballarat) In December 2004 the Wanderers Sports Club in Ballarat commenced a mentorship program. The aim of the initiative is to: • build resiliency and decision making skills of young Indigenous people of the Ballarat region; • develop individual skill sets; • enhance linkages between participants and support networks; and • enhance community capacity building. Training has been provided in communication skills, leadership, effective mentoring relationships and individual development plans.

Better Housing Outcomes Aboriginal Housing Board (AHBV) The AHBV aims to provide appropriate housing to Indigenous Victorians. Programs include: Aboriginal Housing Rental Program (AHRP) 33 additional properties for the ARHP were purchased in 2004-05 providing a financially viable targeted housing service for Indigenous Victorians. Transition to ownership initiative This initiative aims to progress the Government’s commitment to greater Indigenous self determination in the management of the Aboriginal Rental Housing Program. In September 2004 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was agreed by the Office of Housing and the AHBV that sets out the objectives, principles, context and strategies for completion of the Strategic Plan and progress towards independence. Significant work has been undertaken to develop an appropriate and effective governance model for the AHBV as a result of consultancy reports, including among other things: improvements to the AHBV Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, establishment of committees to address specific issues, and changes to accountability processes for staff and Board members. Indigenous Tenancies at Risk Pilot Project In 2004-05 this initiative has successfully reduced eviction rates among Indigenous Victorians in Aboriginal Housing Board housing. Victorian Indigenous Housing Plan The Victorian Indigenous Housing Plan, completed in September 2005 provides a strategic framework for the Victorian Indigenous Housing sector to work collaboratively to achieve effective housing options for Indigenous people. Community consultations and the process for the selection of Indigenous community representatives on the Victorian Indigenous Housing Joint Planning Committee commenced in November 2004 with the first meeting of the Victorian Indigenous Housing Joint Planning Committee. A joint Statewide Indigenous Housing Plan for both the Community Housing Infrastructure Program and the Aboriginal Rental Housing Program was completed in 2004-05.

Improved Justice Outcomes

The Government is committed to building a safe and secure environment for Indigenous people, families and communities. Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement The Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA), developed in partnership with the Indigenous community, is the primary strategy for driving improved justice outcomes for Indigenous Victorians. A Review of the AJA was conducted in 2004 and work has commenced on developing the second phase of the Justice Agreement (AJA2) which will build on the partnerships, principles and successes of the initial Agreement. In 2004-05 the following initiatives under the Aboriginal Justice Agreement were implemented as part of the Government’s commitment to address the ongoing issue of Aboriginal over representation within all levels of the criminal justice system and improve Aboriginal access to justice related services: Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees (RAJAC) The RAJAC network is the key link in the partnership between Government and the Indigenous community. As well as coordinating the development and implementation of Regional Aboriginal Justice Plans, they also: • develop cross-agency linkages and promoted information sharing at a local level; • assess local community needs and map service provision and utilisation; • coordinate development and implementation of Regional Aboriginal Justice Plans; and • promote reconciliation and respect between the justice system and Indigenous communities. RAJACs meet at least quarterly and have membership from Indigenous community organisations, local government, Victoria Policy, Community Corrections, Sheriff’s Office, Magistrates Courts, Victims’ services, Juvenile Justice, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Groups. The six current RAJACs have contemporary plans that guide development of local initiatives and setting priorities7. The focus of the RAJAC network has been on Indigenous youth and the development of diversionary activities and related initiatives, including Job Fairs and sporting and cultural activities funded under the Community Initiative Program and the Frontline Youth Initiative. Implementation Review of the Recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody In November 2003, the Attorney General the Hon Rob Hulls MP appointed two eminent Indigenous Victorians , Dr Mark Rose and Dr Joy Murphy to co-chair the review of the implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. The Final Report of the Royal Commission contained over 339 recommendations. There have been four previous Victorian Government reviews of the implementation. This is the first that has had significant community input. The Review assessed the Government’s implementation of the Recommendations and compliance with the principles of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement. The Review Team held 165 consultations across the state with both government agencies and departments, as well as with community members and organisations to inform their final report8. Community Initiatives Programs (CIP) This initiative is one of the cornerstones of the partnership between the Victorian Government and the Indigenous community. The CIP supports community-based solutions to Indigenous representation by funding local Indigenous communities to pilot initiatives aimed at improving justice outcomes at the local and regional level. CIP projects funded in 2004-05 included: • establishment of a sporting gym with the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative in Warrnambool • Koori Employment, Education and Training Expo with the Gippsland Area Consultative Committee • multimedia tool for offenders with the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative • Community Justice Program with Maya Living Free Healing Centre Koori Court Program

7 In July 2005 a seventh RAJAC was established, splitting responsibility for metropolitan Melbourne with one RAJAC covering north western Melbourne and the second covering south eastern metropolitan Melbourne. 8 The report on the Victorian Implementation Review of the Recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody was tabled in Parliament on 27 October 2005. Koori Courts are now well established in Shepparton and Broadmeadows. A circuit court operates in the South West covering Warrnambool, Portland and Heywood. An evaluation of the Shepparton and Broadmeadows Koori Courts by Latrobe University over a two year period found that in virtually all of the stated aims of the Koori Court pilot program, it has been a “resounding success”. Specifically, the Evaluation Report indicated that Koori Courts have: • reduced the levels of recidivism amongst Aboriginal defendants, which in turn has direct ramifications for the levels of over-representation within the prison system; • The Shepparton Koori Court had a recidivism rate of approximately 12.5% for the two years of the pilot program and the Broadmeadows Koori Court’s re-offending rate was approximately 15.5%. Both of these figures are significantly less than the general level of recidivism which is put at 29.4%, by the Evaluator; • achieved reductions in the breach rates for Community Corrections Orders and the rates of Koori defendants failing to appear for their court dates; • increased the level of Koori community participation in, and ownership of, the administration of law; • provided a mechanism whereby the sentencing process takes into account cultural considerations; and • reinforced the status and authority of Aboriginal Elders and Respected Persons, thereby strengthening the Aboriginal community. The Children and Young Persons (Koori Court) Act 2004 was passed to allow the first Children’s Koori Court to be established9. Aboriginal Bail Justice Program The Aboriginal Bail Justice Program seeks to increase the participation of Indigenous people across all levels of the justice system. They determine bail applications for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous applicants. The program has had two intakes and has to date registered 19 Aboriginal Bail Justices. Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) Aboriginal Mediation Project The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria Aboriginal Mediation Program seeks to assist Indigenous communities to manage and resolve conflict within their own communities, as well as with people and organisations in the broader community by improving access to culturally appropriate alternative dispute resolution services. This year a weekly outreach service was trialled at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. This has resulted in a 100 per cent increase in the number of referrals and demand for services under this project. In 2004-05: • 78 Dispute Resolution Advisory calls were responded to; • 13 cases were received for resolution, 5 of which progressed to mediation;

9 The Children’s Koori Court was launched on 9 September 2005. • 80% of mediated matters resulted in agreement; • 60% of cases were resolved within a month; and • 19 community education activities were conducted. Goulburn Valley Women’s Mentoring Program The Women’s Mentoring Program has been developed to assist Indigenous female offenders in the Goulburn Valley successfully complete their community based orders. The initiative was developed and is being delivered by the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co- operative in Shepparton in partnership with the Shepparton Community Correctional Services. Assistance and support is provided by Elders and Respected Persons as volunteer mentors. Eight Elders have been engaged as mentors, with 4 in the Shepparton region and 4 in the Wodonga area. Over the 2 years to May 2005, 27 women have accessed the program with 13 successfully completing their orders. In that time only three women have breached their orders. The success of the program comes from a network of community Elders, who volunteer as mentors for the women. Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers (ACLO) Following a feasibility study in 2004, four Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers commenced work with Victoria Police in early 2005. Two ACLOs are based in Melbourne and one each in Morwell and Mildura. The ACLO’s role is to: • help build a solid foundation of trust and respect between police and Aboriginal people; • improve understanding between police and Aboriginal people through better communication and working towards common goals; and • increase the number of Aboriginal people working within Victoria Police. Consistent with the principles of the Victoria Police Aboriginal Policy Statement of partnerships, equity and diversity, participation, collaboration, early intervention and harm minimisation, this initiative aims to ensure a high standard police response to Indigenous communities. The Victoria Police ACLO program is measured against the following key areas: • Safety in Custody; • Improving Community Liaison and Crime Prevention; • Training and Education; and • Family violence and Substance misuse. Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer (PALO) Program The Police Aboriginal Liaison Officers (PALO) are sworn police members attached to 24 hour stations providing the link between police and local Indigenous communities. There are currently 43 PALOs. Courts PALO Program This program aims to ensure that Indigenous people involved with the criminal justice system as defendants or victims of crime receive the best possible outcomes. These outcomes may relate to all aspects of an Aboriginal person’s interaction with the justice system including their physical and mental well-being. PALO forum A 3 day forum was held at Bendigo in February 2005 with 41 PALOs in attendance. The forum provided an opportunity for: • cultural awareness for newly appointed PALOs; • networking & sharing of ideas & initiatives; • refinement of reporting regimes; and • facilitation of cultural awareness training to members. The forum has enhanced the facilitation of cultural awareness training to police across the state. 125 police have received specific cultural awareness training from their respective local Elders. Further training programs are planned. Koori Juvenile Justice Program The Koori Juvenile Justice Program funds Koori Juvenile Justice Workers at a number of Koori community organisations. The focus is work with Koori young people who have entered, or are at risk of entering, the juvenile justice system. The Program is running in nine locations throughout Victoria with eleven workers currently employed. An Aboriginal Liaison Worker is also based at each of the three custodial centres. Strengthening the partnership for the future

While the Government has significantly increased resources for Aboriginal programs in the last five years, we recognise that ongoing reform and investment is needed. From July 2004 to November 2004 a series of Indigenous community forums were held to seek community opinion on the management of Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage, the development of a land and economic development program and a whole of government approach to service delivery in Victoria. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the Indigenous community to ensure that we build on the progress made and to involve Indigenous Victorians in policy development in these key areas: Key forward initiatives for 2005-06 include: • Partnerships • Shepparton COAG Initiative The focus of the COAG initiative in Shepparton in 2005-06 will be on the following areas: • ongoing implementation of the Education Pathways Strategy; • completion of the community asset mapping project by the Youth at the Centre young people; • building participation by the Greater Shepparton Aboriginal community in the work of the COAG initiative and through this strengthening the partnership between government and the community; • enhancing representative arrangements to support the community to take the lead in planning and development and to support the community/government partnership; • complete implementation of the Strategic Planning and Policy Unit as a resource for the community in planning and development; and • evaluating the progress of the COAG initiative so far, including identifying outcome indicators to measure progress in improving social, cultural and economic well being of the Shepparton Aboriginal community. Lake Tyers Community Renewal Project The Lake Tyers Community Renewal Project establishes a whole of government response to reduce social and economic disadvantage in the Lake Tyers Aboriginal community. The initiatives will focus on building pride and community participation, enhancing the physical environment, reducing crime and promoting health and wellbeing. A Fairer Victoria announced funding of $3.2 million over four years to empower local residents to take control of their futures. Priorities for 2005-06 include housing and sewerage related issues. Residents will be trained to undertake urgent works to restore housing and other community infrastructure and improve waste management, particularly sewerage and household waste. A children’s breakfast program provided by Lake Tyers Health and Children’s Services will be established to improve education outcomes through building healthy bodies and good nutrition10. The project will also incorporate the Youth Employment Scheme model providing wage subsidy of $9,000-$15,000 for traineeships and apprenticeships in local government. The program provides one to one case management to maximise retention and completion. The objective is to improve employment outcomes for young Indigenous residents of Lake Tyers. Heritage Partnerships The Government will work in partnership with Aboriginal communities to develop and deliver policy, programs and services to strengthen Aboriginal community-based management and protection of Victoria’s significant cultural heritage. Projects in 2005-06 include: • new cultural heritage legislation together with a cultural heritage strategy.

10 The children’s breakfast program was launched in August 2005.

• development and delivery of accredited training options to enhance the employment prospects of Aboriginal people in Aboriginal cultural heritage management. • Regional Cultural Heritage Program – A state-wide Indigenous community based program aimed at increasing participation of Indigenous Victorians in the management and protection and promotion of their cultural heritage. Streamlining Administrative Arrangements This initiative will provide funding to the Department for Victorian Communities to develop, in collaboration with Indigenous community organisations and other government departments, simpler and streamlined funding and administrative arrangements for Indigenous organisations. Changing the way government works with Indigenous communities through the development and implementation of single service agreements in appropriate circumstances will help deliver better coordinated and integrated responses, as well as removing some of the administrative burden placed on Indigenous community organisations. Priority actions will be taken in partnership with Indigenous communities to improve outcomes in schools, hospitals and other mainstream services. Intensive training will be provided to raise skill levels within Indigenous organisations to ensure the effective delivery of key services.

Land and Culture Aboriginal Land and Economic Development Program The 2005-2006 Victorian Budget committed $9.6 million over three years to establish an Aboriginal Land and Economic Development Program to develop land for use by Aboriginal communities to meet cultural, social, economic and environmental interests. The Program will aim to involve Aboriginal people in land and natural resource management, sustainable tourism ventures, and new business opportunities. Outcomes will include opportunities for community capacity building, economic development and employment; involvement in land and natural resource management; greater authority in cultural heritage management; and enhanced social infrastructure and well being. Indigenous Partnership Framework In 2004-05 a review and evaluation of the Indigenous Partnership Strategy commenced. A final draft of the Indigenous Partnership Framework is expected to be completed in early 2006, which will focus on the sustainability of Victoria’s natural and built environment. Kooyang Sea Country Plan The plan articulates the aspirations of the Indigenous peoples in Victoria’s south west for greater involvement in the management of coastal land and marine resources within that part of the State. The Framlingham Aboriginal Trust and Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation will be consulted regarding the implementation of the plan. Their involvement will ensure greater participation in decision making, land management, commercial/economic opportunities, cultural heritage, environmental protection and research needs. VicRoads VicRoads will continue to work with a number of Aboriginal groups regarding major road infrastructure projects, including: • the development of project specific agreement with Indigenous stakeholders for the Calder Freeway upgrade; and with • approval and on-site monitoring agreement (project specific agreement) for the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation to provide cultural heritage monitoring services during the construction of the Arcadia section of Goulburn Valley Highway duplication. The Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation has also been engaged to undertake fieldwork associated with fauna research and development project in the Shepparton region. Njernda Stories: Voices from the Riverland In partnership with the Njernda Aboriginal Corporation – The Echuca district Indigenous community’s elders will work with younger members of their community to share stories and transfer cultural heritage and knowledge. Elders and younger community members will sit, listen and share their stories in an exciting project that identifies a strong need for the community to record and transfer their cultural heritage through storytelling in an audio-visual format. Elders will work with younger members of the community to identify key stories that can be recorded and shared within the respective communities involved. Bunjilaka at Museum Victoria The following important initiatives will continue to build on the Museum’s management of cultural heritage material: • Aboriginal Community Partnerships Project to maintain and develop partnerships to link the cultural heritage material held in the Museum. • Family History Project involving research and consultation with families, individuals and communities to collate information on Aboriginal family histories for South Eastern Australia. • Roving Curator Program to provide specialist advice, seminars and workshops to assist people in managing their cultural heritage and to empower Aboriginal people to care for cultural material in local keeping places.

Economic Development and Participation Koori Business Network (KBN) KBN will finalise Building the Economic Base, the Victorian Government’s Indigenous Business Development Strategy to support the continued growth and development of Indigenous business and promote economic independence and sustainability11.

11 Building the Economic Base was launched on 15 December 2005. Indigenous Employment The State Services Authority will undertake a project to identify and develop employment opportunities in rural and regional Victoria. This work will inform the development of Stage 2 of Wur-cum barra. Professional Learning Strategy (PLS) The PLS aims to improve education outcomes for Indigenous students currently enrolled in government schools through the provision of coordinated, focussed professional learning opportunities for school personnel including principals, teachers, Koori educators and administration staff, Indigenous community members and pre-service teacher education students. It will develop and coordinate: • professional learning provision across regions and education sectors; and • cross cultural training for all school community members, followed by focussed professional learning provision in targeted areas. School Community Partnerships These partnerships will: • increase the level of engagement of the Indigenous community in the school program; and • improve the mutual awareness and understanding of home school issues for parents/carers/students and teachers. Forums will be held across Victoria to develop localised school engagement strategies between the Indigenous community and school communities. Koori Literacy Strategy This strategy will: • identify and design approaches to literacy learning to improve effectiveness of teachers and school leaders; • develop and publish an official Department of Education and Training resource for all schools; and • develop approaches and capabilities to ensure school goals are aimed to Indigenous students meeting national literacy benchmarks. Robinvale Consolidated School Pilot Evolving from previous work, this pilot project at Robinvale Consolidated School will target gifted and high potential Koori students including those who are underachieving. The project is underpinned by a positive model (rather than a deficit model). Supporting Indigenous students at University During 2005-06 the Government will explore linkages with Universities to fund specific places for Indigenous students. Respecting Indigenous Communities Strategy As part of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, this strategy will seek to: • recognise, respect and celebrate Victoria’s Indigenous communities; and • showcase and grow Indigenous Victoria through Games-related business, employment, training and volunteer opportunities. Indigenous Victorians will be encouraged to participate across other Games projects, activities and events including education and business programs, cultural programs, Getting Involved (engaging with local government), the Queen’s Baton Relay and Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Indigenous Community Infrastructure Improvement An asset review of all Indigenous community facilities through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Program will be carried out to ensure that programs are conducted from appropriate and safe facilities. The initiative will also implement urgent works to ensure the fire safety and occupational health and safety compliance of all higher risk Indigenous community facilities. Integrating Consumer Services Throughout 2005-06 Consumer Affairs Victoria will build on its work of addressing the priority issues identified by Indigenous consumers, including: • residential tenancies • consumer credit, debt and financial management, • governance of Indigenous controlled organisations, and • improving knowledge of, and access to Consumer Affairs Victoria services for Indigenous consumers. The Indigenous Consumers Unit will focus on strengthening existing partnerships and forging new linkages with Commonwealth, State, local government departments and non-government service providers and Indigenous community controlled organisations that provide services to Indigenous consumers. Information materials and targeted education campaigns will be developed with a particular focus on: • consumer and tenancy issues relating to Indigenous youth, and • governance issues for Indigenous controlled organisations to increase understanding of governance requirements under Victorian Legislation.

Family and Community Health and Well-being Dental Clinic and Rural Dental Clinical School at Rumbalara A 2-chair dental clinic at Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative has been funded as part of the Rural Dental Clinical School. Programs and services will become operational from February 2006. Dental students will commence placements in February 2006. This service will strengthen the capacity of the Indigenous community in Shepparton to address oral health needs, provide dental services and oral health promotion programs, develop Indigenous dental workforce and integrate oral health with other health programs. It will also provide an opportunity for dental students to gain experience of providing health services/ programs in an Indigenous community-controlled agency. Smile 4 Miles Oral Health Program (OHP) The Smile 4 Miles OHP will be implemented in the Aboriginal community in Horsham, linking with Best Start initiatives in the region. Aboriginal Health Promotion and Chronic Care Partnership (AHPACC) The AHPACC Partnership will promote better health and self-management of chronic conditions by improving access to culturally responsive primary health care services for Aboriginal people. The program will operate in 8 areas across Victoria where there are existing partnerships between Community Health services and Aboriginal communities and/or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. These partnerships will work with the local Aboriginal communities to improve services to those who may have, or are at risk of developing chronic disease by providing programs and services promoting early intervention and prevention strategies. Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service The Healing Service will be a state-wide, residential rehabilitation service provided within the context of a culturally appropriate, youth specific spiritual healing model. The Healing Service will aim to: • help Koori youth recover from substance abuse issues; • provide ongoing support to Koori youth to assist reintegration into community living; and • promote lasting change. Koori Postgraduate Public Health Scholarship Program An integral part of developing capabilities involves provision of postgraduate scholarships for Indigenous Victorian students to undertake postgraduate public health studies that build research skills. Additional funding for up to four new full-time postgraduate Koori students to undertake public health studies at Masters or Doctoral level will be provided in 2005-06. Indigenous Family Violence Programs This initiative will develop culturally appropriate Holistic Healing and Time Out services to help prevent, reduce and respond to family violence in Indigenous communities. Three healing services are being established in East Gippsland, Southern Loddon Mallee and North/West Metropolitan regions. Healing service models are currently being developed by these communities. In 2005-2006 a fourth holistic family healing service and four time out services will be established. In 2004-05, 27 Community Initiative Fund projects received funding to develop local solutions to addressing family violence and raise public awareness. Koori Maternity Services Strategy This initiative provides in home support for Aboriginal women by engaging with families with assertive outreach, parenting education and confidence building support from a known and trusted community member. Extensive consultation with Aboriginal peak organisations will occur during 2005–06 to plan and develop this project. Aboriginal Family Restoration Program At least three intensive Aboriginal Family Restoration Programs will be provided. The aim of the program is to provide intensive home-based care to Aboriginal families where there is a risk of children being removed from their home. The initial program is to provide 24 hour 7 day a week in-home support to entire families where there is a risk of the children being placed in out-of-home care. Indigenous Young People Leaving Care Initiative An Indigenous-specific young people leaving care project will be funded during 2005-06. This project will provide housing and support options to young Indigenous people leaving statutory care. Enhanced Problem Gambling Services for Indigenous Communities From the findings arising from the Health Promotion and Best Practice Services for Indigenous Communities research and needs analysis project, possible service models have been identified and developed that address the recommendations arising from the research. New state wide services will commence in 2005-06. Indigenous tenancies at risk of eviction program A program will be established in areas of Victoria with high concentration of Indigenous tenants to improve the sustainability of Indigenous tenancies. Indigenous access to records project This project of the Koori Records Taskforce aims to address the recommendations from Chapter 16 of the Bringing Them Home Report relating to archives and records. The project is also known as Wilam Naling meaning to know place/family/kin from the Boon wurrung/Woi wurrung language. This project will deliver a report to the Victorian Government about the access barriers facing Indigenous people wishing to access personal and family records. Indigenous Sports Leadership Program (ISLP) The ISLP will be developed and delivered in partnership with a consortium of three Victorian Indigenous community organisations. The program aims to recruit up to 40 young Indigenous people between the ages of 18 to 24 from across the State to develop skills in sports administration and event management. Stolen Generations A Fairer Victoria provided $5.1 million over four years to a dedicated Stolen Generations Organisation to assist Indigenous Victorians affected by the historical separation from their families. New services will include pre- and post-reunion counselling to individuals and families, better access to records and self help programs. An education, information and research base will be developed to better understand the ongoing effects of separation across generations and to support the development of future policies. Improved Justice Outcomes Government Response to the Implementation Review of the Recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. The Government Response to the Implementation Review of the Recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody was tabled in Parliament in October 2005. The Government’s Response is based on the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework, a whole of government approach developed in partnership with the Indigenous community designed to increase cooperation from across Government in addressing Indigenous disadvantage. The Response gives an account of the ground we have covered thus far and lays the foundations for our continuing commitments. Development of the second phase of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement Work is continuing on the development of the second phase of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA2). As with the original Agreement, AJA2 will be built on a partnership between the Government and the Indigenous Community, with the Community’s participation in all steps of the Agreement’s development. Expansion of the RAJAC Network The Melbourne metropolitan area is currently serviced by one RAJAC. In July 2005 a second RAJAC was established with one covering north western metropolitan Melbourne and the second covering south eastern metropolitan Melbourne. Frontline Youth Initiative This initiative aims to assist in addressing the problems of Indigenous over- representation in the criminal justice system through intervention and prevention strategies targeting Indigenous children and youth. In particular it aims to engage Indigenous youth at risk of contact with the criminal justice system in socially and physically healthy alternatives to offending. Initiatives proposed for Frontline support need to be compatible with the RAJACs Regional Aboriginal Justice Plan. Implementation is expected to commence in 2005-0612. Koori Night Patrol Program The Koori Night Patrol Program is due to be expanded in 2005-06 to Robinvale, Latrobe Valley, Metropolitan Melbourne and a number of other prioritised communities as determined by the Aboriginal Justice Forum.

12 Frontline Youth Initiatives Program commenced in July 2005. This program piloted in Shepparton and Mildura under the Community Initiatives Program and has been successful in removing Indigenous people, particularly Koori youth from situations in which they are at risk of contact with the criminal justice system. Central to the program’s success has been the commitment of the Mildura Aboriginal Corporation and Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and the Aboriginal Community Justice Panels in both Shepparton and Mildura with their network of volunteer workers. Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place A residential facility, as a diversionary option, for Aboriginal male offenders on Community based orders will be established at Yarram in South Gippsland on the old Won Wron facility site. The facility will cater for up to 20 Aboriginal men and will assist them to complete their Orders while teaching them life skills that will reduce the likelihood of them re-offending in the future. Initiatives Program commenced in July 2005. Koori Court The adult Koori Court program will be expanded with new Koori Courts to be established in Mildura13 and Gippsland in 2005-06. The first Children’s Koori Court will be established and located at the Melbourne Children’s Court13. The success of the Children’s Koori Court is expected to have the similarly positive outcomes in reducing re-offending rates as for Adult Koori Courts. The success of these courts is based significantly on the role that Aboriginal Elders and Respected Persons have played in their day to day operations. Indigenous Affairs in Victoria Indigenous community profile Population The Victorian Indigenous population is estimated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2001 to be 25,07814. This is approximately 0.54 % of the total Victorian population and 6.1% of the total Australian Indigenous population. Place of residence The Victorian Indigenous community is made up of a number of distinct local communities across the state based on location, language and cultural groups, and extended family networks.

13 The Childrens Koori Court was launched in September 2005 and commenced sitting on _ October 2005. 14 Indigenous counts are subject to undercount and unknown Indigenous status. The census question on Indigenous origin relies on identification of Indigenous status by the person or persons completing the census forms. Victoria recorded a relatively high incidence of unknown status. Measures are being introduced by ABS to improve the quality of the Indigenous data collected. Over half of the Indigenous population is based in regional Victoria, 52.1% compared with 27.1% of the non-Indigenous population. Age The age structure of Indigenous Victorians is considerably younger than the non Indigenous population, with 38.8% under the age of 15 years and 57% under the age of 25 years. By contrast, young people are a slowly declining group in the non-Indigenous population with only 20.3% of the population under the age of 15 and 34.1% in the 0-24 years age group. The difference in age structure between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians is a reflection of a number of factors, including higher fertility rates, higher mortality, a lower life expectancy and reduced well-being. Table 5 provides a breakdown of the Indigenous population by age structure compared to the non-Indigenous population. Table 5: Victoria’s Indigenous population by age Age Group Indigenous Non-Indigenous Not Total Population population Stated Total persons 25,078 4,397,599 189,420 4,612,097 0-4 years 3,186 280,007 16,422 299,615 5-14 years 6,555 613,808 23,735 644,098 15-24 years 4,570 605,291 23,282 633,143 25-44 years 6,971 1,346,091 46,883 1,399,945 45-64 years 3,050 1,009,952 36,702 1,049,704 65 years and 746 542,450 42,396 585,592 over

(Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2001. Cat no 4705.0) The Victorian Government has undertaken extensive consultations, led by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, with Indigenous communities across the state. A key focus of the consultations was the development of the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework as a whole of government approach to addressing Indigenous disadvantage. The indicator framework established by the Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report 200315 will be pivotal in measuring the Government’s progress. In April 2005, the Government released A Fairer Victoria, our social policy action plan to address disadvantage and create new opportunities. The plan provided $45.7 million over four years to build new partnerships between government and Indigenous Victorians. The social policy action plan commits the Victorian Government to changing the way it works with Indigenous communities. This will involve: • streamlining Government consultations to reduce “meeting fatigue”;

15 SCRGS (Steering Committee for the Review of Government Services provision) 2003, Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2003, Productivity Commission, Canberra. • aligning departmental boundaries; • developing action plans in partnership with communities to improve outcomes in schools, hospitals and other mainstream services; • lifting the governance skills within Indigenous organisations through intensive training and support; and • establishing a Departmental Secretaries group with a charter to improve outcomes for Indigenous Victorians.

Indicators of Well Being Table 6 presents a summary of some of the key indicators of Indigenous disadvantage and represents point in time data for selected indicators that relate to health, education, economic participation, children’s services and juvenile justice. It is important to note that as much of this information and data is drawn from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2001 census and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS) results, outcomes from more recent government initiatives would not yet show in the data. Many of our programs and initiatives are targeting strategic areas of action which have been identified for their potential to have a significant and lasting impact in reducing Indigenous disadvantage. Their aim is to address the causes of disadvantage so that over time, improvements in the headline indicators will be acheived. As acknowledged in the Overcoming Disadvantage Key Indicators Report 2005 there is clearly more occurring in Indigenous communities that can be captured by statistics. The initiatives outlined in this report demonstrate the Government’s commitment to change the way we work with Indigenous communities and to find solutions to improving Indigenous well being from outside traditional Government structures. There are many positive initiatives at the local community level that involve constructive partnerships across all levels of government. Table 6: Victoria’s performance on selected headline indicators for Indigenous Outcomes

Headline Indicator All Indigenous Year and Source Victorians Victorians

Life Expectancy (Years)

• Males 78.2 60.0 2002 • Females 83.1 65.1 ABS Deaths Australia 2003

Birthweight 6.9 13.5 2001 Percentage of all births Perinatal Data Collection, less than 2500 grams AIHW Perinatal Statistics Unit (unpublished), 1999-2001.

Suicide 1.7 4.8 1999-2001 Percentage of total ABS unpublished * deaths

School Retention (per cent of)

• To year 10 97.5 81.1 Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage (OID) Key • To year 12 81.4 36.5 Indicators Report 2005

School attainment

• Year 12 certificate 82.7 44.6 ABS Schools Australia 2004

Unemployment 5.7 17.5 OID Report 2005 ( inc CDEP) ABS 2002, NATSISS and GSS

Household income 630 465 ABS 2002, NATSISS and GSS Median gross weekly equivalised - $ per week

Home ownership 77.3 35.9 ABS National ATSI Social Survey (NATSISS)2002 (per cent)

Child Protection

• Substantiations 5.9 57.7 SCRGSP, 2005 Report on Government Services • _Placed in out of home 3.3 41.4 care Per 1000 children aged 0-17 years

Imprisonment 95.6 1108.2 2002-03 Per 100,000 adults Report on Government Services 2005

Juvenile incarceration

• Male 26.3 302.7 OID Report 2005 • Female 1.9 34.0 Statistics on rates of Juvenile detention in Australia 1981- Per 100,000 aged 10-17 2003. years

* Victorian data for 2004/05 is unavailable due to small numbers and low coverage of Indigenous deaths. Ministerial Roles Both the Premier and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs take a lead role in setting policy directions for Indigenous affairs. The Attorney General is the Minister responsible for Native Title and is also the lead Minister for the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement. The Premier, as Head of Government and Chair of the Premier’s Aboriginal Advisory Council, maintains a leadership role in the coordination of government-wide approaches. The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs is responsible for the coordination of Indigenous Affairs policy across the Victorian Government and has direct responsibility for the operation of Victoria’s central Indigenous Affairs policy development and coordination agency Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV). Through AAV the Minister controls the provision of capital, cultural heritage and community capacity building grants. AAV also administers the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 and the Archaeological and Aboriginal Preservation Act 1972, protecting the States Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) AAV is located with the Department for Victorian Communities (DVC) and is accountable to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in the coordination of policies and programs affecting Victoria’s Indigenous communities. AAV seeks to improve Indigenous well-being through partnerships to achieve Indigenous aspirations for land, culture, heritage, family and community using whole of government approaches to the provision of services and policy development. AAV managed a budget of $17.4 million in 2004-0516. Key Policies and Programs While AAV works across government to ensure that Indigenous issues are integral to policy development and that the Government’s key commitments relating to Indigenous affairs are met, it also has responsibility for a number of specific programs. These include the: • Regional Cultural Heritage Program • Indigenous Community Infrastructure Program • Indigenous Community Capacity Building Program Detailed information about each of these programs can be found under Our Achievements.

Advisory bodies Premier’s Aboriginal Advisory Council (PAAC) The Premier’s Aboriginal Advisory Council was established in May 2000 to provide the Victorian Government with strategic advice on whole of government Indigenous priorities, policies and initiatives.

16 This figure included carryover funding from 2003-04 to 2004-05. It provided, for the first time, the opportunity for Victoria’s Aboriginal community to engage with Government at its most senior levels. The PAAC is one of a number of forums in which Indigenous partnerships occur and supplements existing community consultation by government. The membership of PAAC for 2004-05 was: • The Hon Steve Bracks MP, Premier of Victoria; • The Hon Gavin Jennings MLC, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; • Mr Troy Austin, former Victorian State Commissioner for ATSIC; • Ms Daphne Yarram, former Chairperson ATSIC Binjurru Regional Council; and • Mr Tim Chatfield, former Chairperson ATSIC Tumbukka Regional Council. Significant initiatives which were overseen by PAAC during 2004-05 included the: • recognition of Indigenous Victorians in the Constitution; • Whole of Government Indigenous Affairs Framework; • Indigenous Community Capacity Building; • Indigenous Family Violence; and • future arrangements for Indigenous representation. The PAAC met three times during 2004-200517. The Indigenous Women’s Ministerial Advisory Committee (IWMAC) The Indigenous Women’s Ministerial Advisory Committee was formally established after extensive state wide Indigenous Community consultations in June 2001. The Ministerial Advisory Committee, chaired by Raylene Fennell, has membership of nine Indigenous women from across Victoria. The IWMAC meets on a bi-monthly basis to discuss issues of concern to Indigenous women their families and communities. They meet twice yearly with the Minister for Women’s Affairs to provide advice to the Minister on issues affecting Indigenous women. The Strategic plan for Victorian Indigenous women, based on consultations conducted state wide with Indigenous women in 2001 concludes in August 2005. The Strategic plan has been proactive in supporting Indigenous specific initiatives introduced by local, state and Commonwealth governments as they emerged and were deemed relevant to the identified key themes of the plan highlighting employment, environment, health, housing, educations and training and representation. The Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council (VIYAC) VIYAC aims to bring Indigenous young people together, identify issues of importance for them, and make sure their opinions and ideas are heard by Government and the broader community.

17 PAAC meetings were held in November 2004, February 2005 and May 2005. The government is considering the continuation of PAAC pending establishment of new representative arrangements. The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria auspices VIYAC and has employed an Indigenous person to the position of Coordinator. The Coordinator has established a steering group and is in the process of seeking nominations from Indigenous young people to represent their communities on the council and is responsible for undertaking consultations to inform the structure and purpose of VIYAC.

Indigenous Policy Forums In keeping with the Government’s commitment to work in partnership with Indigenous communities a number of community/government policy forums have been established. Key forums include: Aboriginal Justice Forum The Aboriginal Justice Forum is the peak coordinating body responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and direction of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement. The Forum also: • provides an opportunity for positive interaction and relationship building between the Indigenous community and the justice system at the most senior levels; • promotes best practice approaches in program development and service delivery; • promotes cross-program linkages and the development of a whole-of- government approach to addressing the underlying issues; and • monitors and reports on implementation and justice outcome data. Chaired by Jenny Mikakos MP, Parliamentary Secretary – Justice, the Aboriginal Justice Forum meets twice a year to review progress and report to the Government on Indigenous justice outcomes. Forums were held in Melbourne in October 2004 and Halls Gap in April 2005. In 2004-05 Forum membership comprised a range of senior community and government representatives including the: • Former ATSIC Victorian Commissioner and former Regional Council Chairpersons • Representatives of the six Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees • Secretaries – Departments of Justice, Human Services, and Education and Training (as required) • Chief Commissioner of Police • Chief Magistrate • Corrections Commissioner • Chief Executive, Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria The Forum is supported by a network of six Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees (RAJACs) across the State. The RAJACs bring together at the local and regional level, Indigenous communities and representatives of local Justice agencies and local government. Department of Human Services (DHS) Aboriginal Human Services Forum The Aboriginal Human Services Forum was established in August 2002 to provide advice to DHS on the broad range of human service issues affecting the Indigenous people of Victoria. The forum is also the primary accountability mechanism for DHS commitments to Aboriginal people through the Department’s Aboriginal Services Plan (January 2004). The plan aims to improve health and well being under the following three action areas: • Children and families • Youth, and • Lengthening life. The forum is chaired by Ms Patricia Faulkner, Secretary DHS, and includes representation from relevant Aboriginal peak bodies, regional Aboriginal advisory groups, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and senior departmental officers. The forum meets three times per year and has convened in November 2004, March 2005 and June 2005. Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum The Indigenous Family Violence Partnership forum was established on 22 April 200518 to develop and implement a ten-year plan to address the issue of Indigenous family violence in Victoria. It complements both the Aboriginal Justice Forum and the DHS Aboriginal Human Services Forum. Chaired by Mary Gillett MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Affairs, the forum includes senior Victorian and Australian Government representatives and Indigenous community leaders (represented by the ten Chairs of Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Groups). The Forum has established terms of reference, principles and a process for developing the ten-year plan.

18 Partnership forums have been held on 22 April 2005, 12 August 2005 and 9 December 2005