Aboriginal Affairs The Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report July 2005 – June 2006

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 2005–June 2006. This report provides a snapshot of the Victorian Government’s journey with Indigenous Victorians on the pathway to Reconciliation, highlighting key achievements over the past year and foreshadowing activity into the coming year. Since coming to Government in 1999, the Bracks Government has demonstrated a sustained commitment to achieving Reconciliation between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Victorians. Underlying this commitment is a vision for a reconciled Victoria. It is a Victoria where the culture and tradition of Victoria’s First Peoples is acknowledged, respected and valued and where Indigenous Victorians have a fair share of the prosperity enjoyed by all. Image: Opening of Kaawirn Kuunawarn We have matched our words with action. We have more Hissing Swan Arts, Port than doubled investment in improving the quality of life of Fairy Indigenous people. The biggest investments in Indigenous Affairs in our state’s history have been provided through the blue print of the Victorian Government’s social policy program outlined in A Fairer Victoria and the 2005-06 and 2006-07 State Budgets. The 2005-06 State Budget included an investment of $45.7M that flowed into activity in the current year of this report. Important partnerships have been formed to improve access to health promotion and chronic disease prevention services for Indigenous Victorians. Over the past year we announced key tourism projects for Indigenous Victorians in the south-west as part of a budget funded program to promote sustainable tourism ventures. We maintained our effort to reform the way Government works with Indigenous communities through the establishment of the Victorian Secretaries’ Group to provide whole of government leadership and direction in Indigenous Affairs. We continued to work with Indigenous communities to streamline funding arrangements. We further committed an additional $75M in the 2006-07 State Budget which we will report on next year. The Government’s commitment to acknowledge and protect Victoria’s Indigenous cultural heritage was boosted with an investment to implement major reforms that will achieve more effective management of cultural heritage under new Victorian cultural heritage legislation. We built on earlier effort to achieve political restitution for Indigenous Victorians and strengthen communities by funding the establishment of a new Indigenous community engagement and representative structure. The Victorian Government acknowledges there is much to do along the path to Reconciliation. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships and maintain a sustained focus on achieving a Reconciled Victoria where there is equality of opportunity and outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians alike.

GAVIN JENNINGS MLC Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Contents Building a new partnership with Indigenous Victorians ...... 5 Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework ...... 5 Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians ...... 7 Victorian Indigenous communities ...... 11 Measuring performance ...... 13 Our achievements ...... 13 Partnerships ...... 14 Land and culture ...... 17 Economic development and participation ...... 23 Family and community health and well being ...... 30 Improved justice outcomes ...... 37 Indigenous Affairs in Victoria ...... 40 Glossary ...... 46

A note on the text Throughout this report, the term “Indigenous” is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Use of the terms “Aboriginal”, Koori” and “Koorie” is retained in the names of programs and initiatives, and, unless noted otherwise, is inclusive of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Building a new partnership with Indigenous Victorians The Victorian Government is strongly committed to breaking the cycle of Indigenous disadvantage and addressing the impact of dispossession in partnership with Indigenous Victorians. The Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework (VIAF) and its revision Improving the lives of Indigenous Victorians outlines the Victorian Government’s whole-of- government approach to Indigenous Affairs, and provides a framework which guides our actions to address Indigenous disadvantage.

Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework The Victorian Government developed the VIAF in 2003 to strengthen collaboration and cooperation in addressing the underlying social and economic issues driving the ongoing disadvantage of Indigenous Victorians. The foundation of the VIAF is the development of a strong and respectful partnership between Government and Indigenous communities for the purpose of improving: • outcomes for Indigenous people; • coordination of government programs; • input and direction by Indigenous communities; and • approaches to service delivery. Under the VIAF, the Government has delivered a range of programs in partnership with the Indigenous community organised around the five themes of the VIAF: partnership; land and culture; economic development and participation; family and community health and wellbeing; and improved justice outcomes. Under the VIAF considerable progress was made in 2005-06 in implementing the Indigenous policy challenges of A Fairer Victoria including in the areas of: • aligning departmental boundaries; • 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. Under the VIAF the Government announced the largest single investment in Indigenous Affairs in Victorian history as part of the 2006-07 State Budget. This included: $12.6M to support implementation of new Cultural Heritage legislation – We will support the implementation of the new Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2006, which transfers responsibility for management and protection of Indigenous cultural heritage from the Commonwealth to the State. The legislation establishes an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council and require new heritage assessment, compliance and enforcement functions to be undertaken by the Victorian Government; $5.7M over three years for upgrade of community buildings – We will undertake essential capital works on Indigenous community facilities identified in the review of Indigenous community infrastructure announced in A Fairer Victoria in 2005. The funding will ensure that approximately 70 State-funded Indigenous community facilities are refurbished; $3.7M to establish Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing services – We will build a new residential facility for Koori youth with substance abuse issues, including assistance to reintegrate into community living. $14.1M for DHS programs, mostly for children – We will provide: – $3.9M to expand maternity services and provide in-home support – $5M to expand programs to preserve Aboriginal families and ensure that Aboriginal family members, elders and other community members are involved in decisions around the safety of children in their community. – $5.2M to expand services to return children who have been removed from their families, extend the involvement of Aboriginal agencies in the investigation and responses to abuse and assist Aboriginal agencies to support children in longer term placements; $2.7M over four years for the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) at Shepparton – We will broaden the vocational pathways for Indigenous people in Northern Victoria administered by the Academy of Sport, Health and Education in partnership with Rumbalara Football and Netball Club and the . This will be achieved by offering Certificate IV in Community Recreation, Certificates II and III in Aboriginal Health Work, a series of short course options and a range of specialist sports programs; $26.1M over four years to extend the Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 2 – We will extend the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement, which aims to reduce Indigenous over-representation in the criminal justice system by addressing recidivism risks and strengthening diversion strategies. The funding includes Koori Courts expansion, extension of mentoring, liaison and support programs and capital works to support the Indigenous Residential Diversion program, which will enable Indigenous people to complete their community based orders while learning life skills; and, $10.8M over four years for the development of new representative and community engagement arrangements for Indigenous Victorians – We will introduce new community engagement arrangements which will build capacity at a local and regional Indigenous community level. At a local level, this will provide an opportunity for each Indigenous community to identify its priorities and develop plans geared to strengthening their community. At the regional level, the arrangement provides a structure through which Government can engage with the Victorian Indigenous community directly and allow a broader range of Indigenous citizens to have input into the existing service forums. These changes follow on from the withdrawal of ATSIC arrangements and will help inform the Premier’s Aboriginal Advisory Council. Building a new partnership The Victorian Government acknowledges that achieving equality of opportunity and outcomes for Indigenous Victorians requires further investment and reform to the way Government works with Indigenous communities. We do not underestimate the enormity of this task. We need to build a new partnership with Indigenous Victorians by building on and strengthening the existing VIAF. To pursue our aim for Indigenous citizens to experience a similar longevity and quality of life to that enjoyed by other Victorians, the VIAF needs to set clearer direction for Government and community. Adapting the strategic framework of the COAG endorsed Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage1 (OID) reporting framework strengthens the VIAF. The OID framework identifies areas for action that address the underlying drivers of disadvantage that evidence predicts with sustained effort over time will lead to improved outcomes. Improving the policy coherence of the VIAF enables Government to more effectively target investment and effort. Improving coordination and cooperation across Government and between Government and Indigenous communities strengthens Victoria’s approach in Indigenous Affairs. In 2004 the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. Gavin Jennings MLC, asked Indigenous people across Victoria how their voices could be better heard and how Government policy and programs could be more effective in improving the circumstances of Indigenous lives. The views of Indigenous Victorians and the OID Framework provided the basis for strengthening the VIAF. In October 2006 the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs launched Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians, the revised Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework.

Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians The overarching Government goal in Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians is to end a situation in which Indigenous citizens die on average 20 years younger than other Victorian citizens and experience a greater concentration of hardship and trauma over the course of their lives. The goal in Indigenous Affairs is “To raise life expectancy and quality of life for Indigenous Victorians”. The framework acknowledges that to meet this goal we must rebuild the human, economic and social capital of Indigenous communities. This will require a sustained and long term commitment from Government. Generational change requires creating and strengthening partnerships, and setting in place building blocks for reform and clear indicators of progress. The Strategic Policy Framework Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians describes the relationship between Victorian Strategic Areas for Action that set out to achieve improved outcomes across Priority Outcome Areas and ultimately the overarching goal of the framework. The Strategic Policy Framework is represented in Diagram 1. Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians commits the Government to improve outcomes against a range of specific strategic change indicators. These indicators amount to five, ten and 15 year markers of progress towards achieving equitable outcomes for Indigenous Victorians. They link to measures which form important building blocks in raising life expectancy and quality of life against six clear priorities for action. These are to: 1. Improve maternal health and early childhood health and development;

1 SCRGS (Steering Committee for the Review of Government Services provision) 2003, Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2003, Productivity Commission, .

2. Improve literacy and numeracy; 3. Improve year 12 completion or equivalent qualification and develop pathways to employment; 4. Prevent family violence and improve justice outcome; 5. Improve economic development, settle native title claims and address land access issues; and 6. Build Indigenous capacity. These areas for action will guide sustained Government effort over the next decade.

Diagram 1: Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians Strategic Policy Framework Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians also sets out a Partnership Coordination and Management Framework and principles of reform. The reform principles outline how we will improve the effectiveness of Government coordination and the way that Government engages and works with Indigenous communities. The Partnership Co- ordination and Management Framework (Diagram 2) is a senior management and Indigenous partnership structure responsible for driving the changes that will achieve the improved performance outcomes for which the VIAF has been developed. The Partnership Co-ordination and Management Framework creates the authorising environment for community and Government policy leadership. From the Government perspective this leadership is centred in the Premier and the members of the Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs (Chaired by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs)2.

These important Indigenous Affairs policy changes have been reflected throughout this section and will also inform how we report on performance in the future.

Diagram 2: Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians Partnership Coordination and Management Framework

2 See ‘Indigenous Affairs in Victoria’ for more information on the Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs. Victorian Indigenous communities

Population The Victorian Indigenous population is estimated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2001 to be 25,078.3 This is approximately 0.54 % of the total Victorian population and 6.1% of the total Australian 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. Diagram 3 provides a breakdown of the Indigenous population by age structure compared to the non-Indigenous population and the proportional difference in the age structure is shown in diagram 3.

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. Over half of the Indigenous population live in regional Victoria, 52.1% compared with 27.1% of the non-Indigenous population. 4 There is a misconception that all Indigenous Australians reside in remote areas. In fact ’s Indigenous peoples are highly urbanised. A significant proportion of Indigenous people across Australia, 73.6%, reside in urban and regional areas5. While very few Indigenous people live in remote communities in Victoria, (0.25%), the proportion of Indigenous people living in major cities Diagram 3: Victorian and in regional areas is very similar in and Indigenous and non- Indigenous Population by Age group, 2001 (4)

3 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. 4 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2001. Cat no 4705.0 5 Taylor J, ‘Population and Diversity: Policy Implications of Emerging Indigenous Demographic Trends’, Discussion Paper No. 283/2006, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, 2006. Victoria, (42.1% and 49.0% respectively in major cities, and, 51.6% and 50.7% in regional areas respectively).6 Some of the most populous and well defined Indigenous communities in Victoria are in the following locations in Victorian Government regions: – Barwon-South Western – Framlingham, Geelong, Hamilton, Heywood, Portland, and ; – Eastern Metropolitan – Healesville and Ringwood – Croydon; – – Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Morwell – Moe – Yallourn, Orbost - Cann River, Sale and Warragul – Drouin; – Grampians – Ballarat, Halls Gap and Horsham; – Hume – Seymour, Shepparton – Mooroopna, Wangaratta and Wodonga; – Loddon Mallee – Bendigo, Echuca, Kerang, Kyabram, Robinvale, Swan Hill, and Mildura; – Southern Metropolitan – Dandenong, Frankston, Hastings, St Kilda – North & West Metropolitan – Broadmeadows, Maribyrnong, Thornbury – Fitzroy, Werribee and Whittlesea. Over the next three years, commencing in 2006-07, Local Indigenous Networks will be established in these 38 identified communities.

6 Source ABS 2001 ERP cited in SCRGSP (Steering Committee for the Review of Government Services provision) 2005, Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2005, Productivity Commission, Canberra. Measuring performance Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians incorporates the Government’s continued commitment to the COAG endorsed Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage (OID)7 reporting framework. While future whole of Government reporting will be against the strategic change indicators of Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians8, the Government will also continue to measure and report its progress through the Council of Australian Governments against the OID framework. Progress in Victoria is reported in the two OID reports produced in 2003 and 2005 by the Productivity Commission. An overview of progress to the end of the 2005-06 reporting year against the OID is provided in Appendix 1. The table in Appendix 1 presents a summary of some of the key OID 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 (NTASISS) results, outcome from more recent government initiatives would not yet show this 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 achieved. The initiatives outlined in this report demonstrate the Government’s commitment to change the way it works with Indigenous communities and to find solutions to improve Indigenous well being from outside traditional Government structures. Indigenous community organisations, leaders and other citizens are also working hard to lift outcomes in their particular sectors and communities, often achieving important successes against considerable odds. Much of this work is not captured by statistics but the Government recognises its importance and the need to build on the strengths of Indigenous communities. Our achievements Launched in October 2006 Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians will guide future reporting. The active framework in 2005-06 that guided the development and implementation of Government programs and initiatives in Indigenous Affairs was the VIAF. The VIAF is built on a strong and respectful partnership between government and Indigenous communities with particular emphasis on improving:

7 SCRGS (Steering Committee for the Review of Government Services provision) 2003, Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2003, Productivity Commission, Canberra. 8 The strategic change indicators are tabulated in Appendix 1. • outcomes for Indigenous people; • coordination of government programs; • input and direction by Indigenous communities; and • approaches to service delivery. Over the past year the Government implemented a range of programs and initiatives. This report provides an overview of some of our key programs and initiatives for Indigenous Victorians under the following five themes of the framework. 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 – Addressing 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.

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.

Shepparton COAG Aboriginal Initiative The partnership in Shepparton over 2005-06 has achieved the following: Strategic Planning and Policy Unit The Victorian and Commonwealth Governments jointly funded the Strategic Planning and Policy Unit to provide resources for the Shepparton Aboriginal community to undertake planning and research. The Unit also supports the community in developing the arrangements for representation of the community in the community/government partnership and ensuring that community members who want to participate, at whatever level, have the opportunity to participate. 2006 Census The Unit, working with the ABS, has undertaken a strategy to raise awareness of the importance of completing the ABS Census and identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander on the Census form. The strategy, which used local people for face-to- face communication and local images in posters and brochures attracted people to find out what the census was about and had strong reach into the community. Feedback from this work was very positive. Education Pathways Strategy Implementation of the Strategy has continued over 2005-06. Achievements over this year include: – The “Be Deadly and Cool – Stay at School” Kit was completed and schools have developed strategies to improve attendance based on ideas from the Kit; – Selected schools piloted Individual Learning Plans for all Indigenous students; – Funding secured from the Community Support Fund and DHS ($500,000 each) to build the integrated Children’s Services Hub in Shepparton; – VACCA provided funds to implement Supported Playgroups in schools with high numbers of Indigenous students; – A Cultural Awareness Kit was developed to support professional development of teachers on Indigenous culture and heritage; and Youth at the Centre Five young people were trained in interviewing and videoing and are undertaking a project to record community assets. The information they collect will be used by the Strategic Planning and Policy Unit to inform future planning. Evaluation of the COAG Aboriginal Initiative Evaluation of the Shepparton COAG Aboriginal initiative commenced as part of the evaluation process of all eight COAG Trial sites across Australia initiated by the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination. The consultants reported findings on the Shepparton site in May, 2006. Key findings are: • All partners have a strong commitment to the intent of the COAG Initiative; • An over emphasis on getting things done and not enough on doing things differently requires a better balance; • A high level of goodwill and good intentions across all partners; and • Partners had different expectations of what could be achieved. Identifying a limited number of priorities and sharing an understanding of what will be achieved over what time frame will lead to shared expectations. All of the partners agreed that the evaluation is a useful tool for reflection and review to identify where the partners need to be working differently to find ways to best achieve common goals.

New Representative Arrangements Following the abolition of ATSIC, the Victorian Government and Commonwealth Government worked together to develop new local and regional representative arrangements with Indigenous Victorians. From June to September 2005, extensive consultations were conducted throughout Victoria to discuss representative models with Indigenous people in their communities. Indigenous people were asked to think about, discuss and identify what a representative body for their local community, their region and the State would look like. The former Victorian ATSIC Commissioner, Troy Austin, facilitated 54 community meetings, held across approximately 40 communities.9

Streamlining Administrative Arrangements In A Fairer Victoria the Government has committed to reducing red tape, streamlining administrative arrangements and introducing single funding agreements for Indigenous organisations. These changes will make it easier for organisations to concentrate on the business of delivering services, while maintaining appropriate standards of transparency and accountability for funding. A framework is being developed that can provide a common basis for all State funding to Indigenous organisations. In the Shepparton COAG Trial Site more streamlined arrangements have been developed between the State, Commonwealth and the community-based Strategic Planning and Policy Unit to better administer future Indigenous funding. Victorian Secretaries’ Group for Aboriginal Affairs The Victorian Secretaries’ Group for Aboriginal Affairs was established in 2005 to provide leadership and direction across Government and to develop strategies to improve Indigenous policy coordination and service delivery. The Victorian Secretaries’ Group met five times in 2005-06.

Lake Tyers Community Renewal Project The Victorian Government provided $3.2 million over four years in the 2005-06 State Budget for the Lake Tyers Community Renewal Project to empower local residents to take control of their lives. The Project establishes a long term whole of government response to reduce social and economic disadvantage in the Lake Tyers Indigenous community. This is a cross government initiative involving Victorian Government Departments and local and Commonwealth Government agencies. Announced under A Fairer Victoria in 2005-06, outcomes include: • improved personal safety and reduced crime. Police call-outs to the community have reduced from 35 in the month before the project commenced, to less than an average of four per month in 2006; • a partnership between the Victorian Government and East Gippsland Shire to improve safety and travel conditions by sealing the community road;10 and, • completion of the new community centre design. Lake Tyers Community Capacity

9 The 2006-07 State Budget included $10.8 million to establish the New Community Engagement and Representative Arrangements. 10 The road was officially opened by Minister Jennings and the President of the Shire Council on 12 July, 2006. The aim of this initiative is to build the community capacity of tenants of the Lake Tyers community by improving education and training outcomes to facilitate economic development. As part of this initiative the Public Tenant Employment Program (PTEP) delivered a maintenance training program through the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust. The training involved basic maintenance training for householders focusing on minor house repairs and maintenance. This training program will continue to be delivered at Lake Tyers until June 2009. Indigenous educational training and employment program The Victorian Government in consultation with the Lake Tyers community, Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust management and service providers developed a comprehensive employment strategy. The strategy commenced with the conduct of a local community skills audit.

Land and culture

Delivering land justice to Indigenous Victorians and protecting Victoria’s Indigenous cultural heritage for future generations.

Native Title Wimmera Native Title Settlement Native Title negotiations were successfully concluded in December 2005 with the settlement of a major native title claim over the Wimmera region. The agreement between the State and the Native Title claimants in the Wimmera was recognised by the Federal Court and registered with the National Native Title Tribunal. The agreement is made up of: • A Consent Determination of Native Title which recognises non-exclusive native title rights to hunt, fish, gather and camp, over approximately 2% of the native title claimed area. • An Indigenous Land Use Agreement that settles all the remaining native title issues under the Native Title Act (1993) (including validation of past acts, resolution of compensation and discontinuance of the future act regime over the areas where native title does not exist). • The following ancillary agreements

o Access agreement setting out the native title rights and interests of the Traditional Owners to co-exist with the rights and interests of other parties;

o Consultation agreement over a core area of unique cultural connection; o Co-operative Management agreement that facilitates the involvement of the Traditional Owners in decisions about land management;

o Licensing agreement over a core area of unique cultural connection and the Crown land where native title has been recognised; o Fee Simple agreement covering culturally significant parcels of Crown land; and

o Funding agreement that resources the actions outlined in the Agreement. Cultural Heritage New Cultural Heritage Legislation Following extensive consultation with Victoria’s Aboriginal community, the Aboriginal Heritage Bill was introduced into Parliament on 4 April 2006 and passed on 4 May 2006. The Act broadens the involvement of Indigenous people in decision making processes and specifically recognises the role of Traditional Owners in managing Aboriginal heritage. The legislation promotes Indigenous heritage partnerships which will improve the understanding and respect for Indigenous heritage and promote reconciliation between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous Victorians. It is anticipated that the Act will come into effect in early to mid 2007. Aboriginal Field Investigation and Training Program Four accredited training programs were delivered in 2005-06: • Statewide Skeletal Remains Training Workshop; • Black Range/Fulham Reserve Post Fire Training and Investigation Project; • Planning and delivery of Cert IV “Engaging Indigenous Communities (Native Title and Cultural Heritage)”; and • Statewide Heritage Investigation and Training Project at Plenty Gorge.

Land Management Aboriginal Land & Economic Development Program The 2005-06 Budget committed $9.6 million over three years to establish an Aboriginal Land and Economic Development Program to develop land for use by Indigenous people to meet cultural, social, economic and environmental interests. The Program is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to build a new partnership with Indigenous Victorians, announced in A Fairer Victoria. The program will promote and protect Victoria’s rich cultural heritage and involve more Indigenous people in land and resource management, sustainable tourism and new business opportunities. A range of training initiatives will be included to support economic independence and employment in Indigenous communities. In the first year the program focus was on the development of land and tourism related projects in south west Victoria. Projects were developed in partnership with Indigenous communities, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Parks Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Indigenous Land Corporation. Successful projects funded in 2005-06 on the basis of their on going sustainability and long term economic benefit for Indigenous communities include: • Upgrade of tours to rock art sites and other Indigenous cultural heritage places in the Grampians offered by Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre; • Development of basic visitor infrastructure at the Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area and Kurtinitj property near Portland managed by Winda Mara Aboriginal Co-operative; • Support to Budj Bim Tours to provide guided tours of the nationally significant Lake Condah area where there is evidence of large and complex Indigenous fish and eel traps, and stone dwellings; • Establishment of a combined gallery and shopfront in Port Fairy for Kaawirn Kuunawaran Hissing Swan Arts, the Tarerer Indigenous Music Festival and Welcome to Country Tours; • Expansion of Worn Gundidj’s operations at Tower Hill near Warrnambool, including development of basic hospitality infrastructure and establishment of an environmental interpretation program; • Redevelopment of Bunjil’s Shelter at the Black Range State Park near Stawell; and • Development of a collaborative marketing program for Indigenous tourism businesses in south west Victoria. The Program will continue to identify and fund a range of regional economic development opportunities for Indigenous Victorians. Protecting Cultural Heritage in Road Construction Cultural heritage management is an important issue in road planning, road construction and road maintenance as road projects often have the potential to impact on a broad range of heritage values. VicRoads challenge is to identify heritage values in project areas as early as possible in the planning process to enable any impacts to be avoided, minimised or mitigated. Fostering relationships with stakeholders, in particular the Indigenous community is integral to our approach for respecting cultural heritage. VicRoads Environmental Services A number of Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage Agreements were formed to ensure Indigenous input into road projects, strengthen relationships with Indigenous stakeholders and ensure Indigenous cultural heritage is managed in a consistent and effective way. Protocols were developed and released in 2005-06 in relation to the following communities and projects: • Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council; • Victorian Boonerwrung Elders Land Council; • Deer Park Bypass; and, • Goulburn Valley Highway (Arcadia Section). There is ongoing administration, review and improvement of the VicRoads – Nation General Area Agreement. Deer Park Bypass A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Wurundjeri and VicRoads was developed in relation to the Deer Park Bypass.11 The MoU sets out protocols to be followed during construction for the relocation of artefacts, required presence of monitors and engagement of archaeologists to survey, salvage and relocate artefacts. Geelong Bypass Project Under the protocols set out in the MoU, up to six monitors at a time were on-site identifying artefacts since construction on Section 1 of the Bypass commenced in February 2006. Monitors have also been engaged in preconstruction geotechnical investigations for sections 2 and 3 of the project. Henty Highway VicRoads, in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co- operative and Wotjobaluk Traditional Land Council, Horsham, recorded Indigenous cultural heritage values along the Henty Highway (Horsham to Cherrypool). The project improved working relationships with stakeholders, developed the skills of two local Indigenous youths who were part of a VicRoads training program and 29 Aboriginal scarred trees were identified.

Natural Resource Management Strengthening Indigenous Partnerships in Natural Resource Management Progress was achieved in developing Frameworks that will guide Government in strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities to more effectively work together to manage Victoria’s natural resources. Parks Victoria Indigenous Partnership Strategy The Parks Victoria Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan (Strategy and Action Plan) was launched by the Hon. John Thwaites, MP, Minister for the Environment, in April 2006. The Action Plan is directly linked to the Strategy to establish timelines and accountabilities in supporting Parks Victoria’s long term vision and strategic direction over the next ten years. The Strategy and Action Plan consists of the following eight platforms: • Relationships and Partnerships with Indigenous Communities; • Cross-cultural Awareness and Learning Exchange; • Indigenous Employment and Training; • Managing Indigenous Cultural Heritage and Environmental Values; • Tourism Information, Implementation and Education; • Indigenous Business Enterprises; • Native Title; and • Internal Coordination.

11 The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in July 2006. Department of Primary Industries The preparation of an Indigenous Partnership Framework commenced that will guide the Department of Primary Industries in its future relationships with Indigenous communities. It will outline specific outcomes in primary industry and actions to achieve these outcomes. Department of Sustainability and Environment Indigenous Partnership Framework The Department of Sustainability and Environment continued work to develop an over- arching Indigenous Partnership Framework. The Partnership Framework will align the Department’s business areas and activities with the Department’s commitment to: • work inclusively with Indigenous communities, and • ensure Indigenous Victorians have a real say in the future of water and land management. When complete the Framework will provide guidance in working with Indigenous communities to implement and deliver natural resource management activities. Work is on track to launch the Framework in early 2007. Development of regional action plans has commenced as part of the implementation of the Framework. Regional action plans are defined by the guiding principles and key outcomes of the Framework and draw on regional priorities and outcomes from the Corporate Action Plans 2005-08. Australian Alps First People Gathering – Mt Hotham The Australian Alps Liaison Committee (AALC) hosted a gathering of Australian Alps First People in April 2005. The purpose of the gathering was to bring together Traditional Owners to discuss the involvement of Indigenous people in the management of the Australian Alps National Park.12

The two day workshop produced recommendations for the acknowledgement of Traditional Owners within the Alpine region, access to country, management of cultural heritage, employment, protocols for consultation and representation onto the AALC. Since the gathering, the AALC has established the Victorian Alps Indigenous Reference Group and approved a number of cultural heritage projects. These include: • Indigenous Interpretation Training and Seasonal Employment; • Partnerships with universities to undertake research about Indigenous and non- Indigenous cultural heritage; and • Planning for Indigenous skills/reading the landscape training workshops for Parks Victoria staff. Wimmera Indigenous Resource Partnership The development of a national accredited course, ‘Engaging with Indigenous Communities – Cultural Heritage and Native Title, Certificate 4’, was an important step in

12 Traditional Owner groups represented were Dhuduroa, Taungurung, Gunai, Kurnai, Yeerung Kurnai, Monaro, Ngarigo, Wiradjuri, Wolgalu and Ngunnawal. creating relationship building opportunities for Indigenous communities and government agencies. The course facilitates: • Bringing Indigenous communities and Natural Resource Management (NRM) agencies closer together; • Promoting partnerships with Indigenous people in relation to NRM; and • Assisting NRM agencies to comply with Native Title & Cultural Heritage responsibilities. The course is a pilot in the South West Region and to date six participants from the and Wotjobaluk communities have completed the course. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sites on Farms The Government is working in partnership with Indigenous communities in South-West Victoria to promote heritage protection on farmland as part of the Ararat Hills Project. The partnership involves community-based Indigenous Cultural Heritage Officers and DPI staff organising farm visits; cultural heritage talks by Indigenous Elders and community representatives; and the development of positive media about heritage protection on farmland. During 2006, DPI and the South West and Wimmera Cultural Heritage Program developed a farm-gate sign acknowledging Indigenous cultural heritage. The sign was launched at the National Trust owned property, Mooramong, near Skipton. Wording on the sign reads, “We acknowledge and respect the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage of this area”. This joint initiative aims to increase awareness of and respect for Aboriginal heritage by encouraging farmers to integrate Aboriginal heritage sites into their farm planning.

Promoting Indigenous Art and Culture Birrarung Wilam Birrarung Wilam (Common Ground), a significant cultural art site on the banks of the Yarra, was launched in May 2005. The launch highlighted the spirit of Birrarung Wilam as a prominent symbol of Reconciliation for all Victorians. Designed by three prominent Victorian Indigenous artists, Vicki Couzens, Lee Darroch and Treahna Hamm, Birrarung Wilam incorporates aspects of Indigenous culture from Victoria’s diverse Aboriginal communities ensuring that it will be a place where all Victorians and interstate and international visitors can experience Victoria’s contemporary and traditional Indigenous history, art and culture. At an estimated $1.0 million, the project is the largest joint project to be developed between the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne. Voices from the Riverlands This digital storytelling project with the Yorta Yorta elders in Echuca Victoria created opportunities for Elders to document and collect key autobiographical stories for their communities and to involve younger community members in working with the Elders in a cultural story exchange. In partnership with Njernda Aboriginal Cooperative, the project produced ten digital stories that are part of the Australian Centre for Moving Image digital storytelling collection. The works were screened at the Australian Centre for Moving Image and were showcased as part of the First Person International Digital Storytelling conference. AAV Publications In 2005-06, AAV published two books on eminent Indigenous Victorians. A Fortunate Life An autobiography of Kevin Coombs, five-time paralympian and Aboriginal community Elder, was published. Mr Coombs serves as an advocate in the Koori Court; he chaired the Indigenous Taskforce on the 2006 Commonwealth Games and has been awarded an Order of Australia for a lifetime’s service to sport and the community. William Barak Wurundjeri man, William Barak, was launched on 29 May 2006. The book is a further tribute to the life and achievements of Barak who was an esteemed Victorian Indigenous leader. The launch of the book provides an enduring legacy of his achievements and follows the naming of the new Yarra Pedestrian bridge in his honour. Indigenous Film Film Victoria does not specifically target Indigenous Affairs, but based on the merit of the project and its innovation, quality and marketability Film Victoria provided $472,650 in funding for 11 Indigenous initiatives in 2005-06 including: • Development funding for delivery of a documentary screenplay titled Cry of the Pelican; • Investment in production delivery of My Brother Vinnie, a documentary film, as part of the National Indigenous Documentary Fund in partnership with the Australian Film Commission; • Endangered is part of the National Indigenous Documentary Fund in partnership with the Australian Film Commission. It was delivered in the latter part of 2005 and will be screened as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2006; and, • Binawee – development funding through the New Feature Writers Program for delivery of a screenplay.

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. Better Education Outcomes Indigenous education initiatives are designed to support improved educational outcomes for Indigenous students and increase all students’ knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and values. In 2005 there were 6,938 Indigenous students (full time equivalent) enrolled in Victorian Government schools, an increase of approximately 300 since 2004. Koorie Education Development Officers During 2005-06,16 Koorie Education Development Officers supported and promoted 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 Indigenous education programs and support the Regional Koorie Education Committees. The work of Koorie Education Development Officers contributes to improved educational outcomes for Indigenous students and more schools delivering curriculum and units of work with Indigenous perspectives. In 2005, 759 schools delivered curriculum or units of work involving Indigenous perspectives. Koorie Educators Koorie 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. In 2005-06, there were 56 Koorie Educator positions. In 2005, 25 Koorie Educators were enrolled in the Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education course, a national qualification specifically developed for Indigenous education workers. The course builds the capability of Koorie Educators to work with Indigenous students, schools and families. Koorie Educators played a valuable role in contributing to improved attendance and retention levels of Indigenous students. Koorie Home School Liaison Officers Koorie Home School Liaison Officers provided support to targeted school communities to improve attendance levels of Indigenous students. The apparent retention rate for Indigenous students in Years 10-12 was 51.4% in 2005, an increase from 43.8% in 2004. Eight Home School Liaison Officers were employed in ongoing positions; three of which are Commonwealth funded. The Home School Liaison Officers contributed to improved attendance and apparent retention rates for Indigenous students in targeted schools. They provided assistance and advice to schools, families and students. Barriers to Successful Transition to Primary School Barriers to Successful Transition to Primary School is a research project examining the barriers to the successful transition to primary school for Indigenous students. It looked specifically at the factors contributing to absenteeism and low literacy and numeracy rates. The project also identified strategies to address these issues with an emphasis on building on existing initiatives. This work was undertaken by the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), and was supported by a reference group including key Indigenous organisations. A summary of recommendations have been drafted by VAEAI and consultations across the whole of government are taking place. A Report is expected in 2007-08. Revival and Reclamation of Victorian Indigenous Languages This initiative aimed to provide all senior students the opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture and Indigenous languages of Victoria. This initiative also aimed to increase awareness of Indigenous history and issues facing Indigenous communities. 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 school sector. Due to curriculum changes and further input from VAEAI, implementation of the VCE history study design including Unit 2: Koorie History will commence in 2007. Koorie Intern Teaching Project The project is improving employment opportunities for Indigenous people and seeks to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students by increasing the number of qualified Indigenous teachers in schools. During 2005-06, four intern positions were supported. Koorie Teaching Scholarships This initiative provided scholarships for Koorie education workers to enable them to upgrade their qualifications to degrees in teaching. Three people are expected to complete their qualifications in 2006. Wurreker Strategy The Wurreker strategy aims to: • improve outcomes for Indigenous people in TAFE and ACE; • provide a system for Indigenous Registered Training Organisations and TAFE institutions to develop formal links with employers and employment agencies to achieve better outcomes for Indigenous people; and • provide mechanisms for Indigenous communities to have a real say in the training that will support Koorie community development. Eight Wurreker Regional Councils have been established and are in operation. All TAFE Institutions develop annual Wurreker Implementation Plans and report against the plans on processes to support students and engage the Indigenous community. The Wurreker in Adult Community Education (2005-2007) strategy aims to assist ACE organisations to develop partnership strategies to improve access by the Indigenous community to ACE. The nine Adult Community and Further Education Regional Councils have developed 2006 Wurreker Action Plans to support participation of Indigenous learners in Adult Community Education (ACE). A Good Governance Guide for Koorie Organisations was published with input from the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Pathways The Priority Education and Training program included funds for Indigenous education and training. Funds were provided to increase the level of vocational education and training for people who are not apprentices or trainees, and, in skills and regions that have been identified as industry and government priorities. Funding is provided to TAFE institutions on an annual basis to support Indigenous participation at TAFE. Specific initiatives varied from institution to institution. The number of Indigenous people enrolled in Vocational and Education Training courses increased from 3,365 in 2004 to 4,500 in 2005. The delivery of training by Indigenous Registered Training Organisations continues to increase.13 Koorie experiences of qualifications pathways in VET: Obstacles or opportunities? The Victorian Qualifications Authority commissioned the University of Melbourne to undertake interviews of current and former Indigenous students. Interviews canvassed their experience of VET and the extent to which their aspirations of qualifications and employment pathways had been realised. The study looked at three major transitions in VET: re-engagement in education and training; accessing mainstream TAFE programs and accessing employment related to training. Adult Community Education Funding was provided for the delivery and support of education and training to Indigenous people. Funding was provided to 19 Indigenous organisations through the Adult, Community and Further Education Board.

Indigenous Community Infrastructure Asset review of Indigenous community infrastructure The capital review of Indigenous community infrastructure, funded by the State Government, to identify a program of capital improvements has been completed. This will ensure that services for Indigenous Victorians are conducted from safe and appropriate facilities. The audit comprised three individual reviews of: • the physical condition of the facilities, and their suitability for current activities; • electrical safety; and • asbestos materials audit. The audit also identified actions necessary to ensure compliance with relevant building and safety regulations of all higher risk community facilities. A number of identified urgent works were undertaken immediately.

13 Lake Tyers Indigenous Training Centre, Yenbena Indigenous Training Centre and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation delivered training to Indigenous students in a range of areas, such as health and hygiene, community services, computers and administration.

The 2006 State Budget committed $5.7 million over three years to undertake essential capital works identified by the audit. Approximately 70 State-funded Indigenous community facilities will be refurbished to ensure that services for Indigenous Victorians are carried out from safe and appropriate facilities. 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 for their people. Major Projects for 2005-06 included: • Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation Project – purchase and refurbishment of building to house multi-media complex; • Royal Children’s Hospital – Establishment of a hostel for Indigenous families; • Aboriginal Housing Board – redevelopment of Narrandjeri House to equip the board to play an enhanced role as a manager of public housing properties for Aboriginal people; • Cyclical Maintenance Program; • Rumbalara Football Netball Club coaches’ boxes; • Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place; • refurbishment of building in Croydon; and • Framlingham Aboriginal Trust community/ health centre development and upgrade.

Indigenous Capacity Building Indigenous Community Capacity Building Program The Indigenous Community Capacity Building Program assists Indigenous organisations to build their capacity to deliver programs and services and to work with government. A number of initiatives were funded in 2005-06. These include: • CEO’s Network; • COAG Trial Shepparton; • Grampians Resource Model feasibility was auspiced through Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative; • Victorian Indigenous Community Leadership Strategy in partnership with the Community Support Fund ($1.0 million over two years) and VicHealth ($500,000 over two years). Six community based leadership projects are currently underway; and • Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council (VIYAC) – Employment of a State Coordinator. Governance Training Program Aboriginal Affairs Victoria in partnership with Consumer Affairs Victorian (CAV), the Federal Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations (ORAC) and Swinburne University has developed and pilot tested a governance training program. The focus of the training program is to improve governance in Victorian Indigenous organisations and to raise awareness of governance and its importance to the operation of Indigenous organisations. The Governance Training Program began in March 2006 and involves the sponsorship of board members and key staff of Indigenous organisations to attend governance training workshops with the option of undertaking further studies in an accredited TAFE Certificate IV in Business (Governance) course. The course is designed to increase the management capacity of Victorian Indigenous community organisations and improve service delivery to the community sector. A key component of the workshops is the provision of expert advice on the legislation that supports the Indigenous community sector. This support is provided by CAV in relation to the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 and the Co-operatives Act 1996. The Program for 2005-06 consisted of the successful delivery of three 3-day workshops in Melbourne, Lakes Entrance and Bendigo (69 people from 26 organisations completed), commencement of one Certificate IV course (14 participants from 8 organisations) and a review of the workshop component.

Building a Strong Economic Base Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Respecting Indigenous Communities Strategies A strategy for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Tribal Expressions aimed to increase the capability of Indigenous communities to benefit from the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The Koori Business Network (KBN brought together over 250 participants from across the State. Tribal Expressions showcased Victorian Indigenous businesses’ products, achievements and their culture to local and international markets. It featured: • 22 Indigenous businesses participating in the Commonwealth Games Business Training Program; • 15,000 copies of Tribal Expressions, the Indigenous Showcase catalogue; and • 22 Indigenous businesses participating in the Indigenous Business Showcase Program at Federation Square. Koori Business Network The KBN addresses disadvantage through the provision of programs and initiatives to assist in the sustainable social and economic growth of Indigenous communities and businesses throughout Victoria. The KBN delivers an industry growth program in the areas of aquaculture, bush foods, art and cultural tourism with the development of strategic policies, support networks and industry development. During 2004-05, the KBN developed the Building the Economic Base Strategy and the Victorian Indigenous Aquaculture Strategy. The KBN quarterly newsletter on Indigenous businesses has a distribution list of 5,000. KBN activities in 2004-05 included the following industry workshops and forums: • Pre-Business workshops – four per year; • one Bushfoods; • two Aquaculture, Victorian Indigenous Seafood Committee; and • Aquaculture Pilot Programs – four projects in key locations. Deadly Arts Business Deadly Arts Business is a successful partnership between Arts Victoria and the Koori Business Network that entered its third year of operation in 2005-06. The initiative aims to strengthen the distinct profile and improve the business viability of the South East Indigenous arts community. The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards 2005 were announced in October as part of the ‘umbrella’ program for the Melbourne International Arts Festival and were accompanied by a public exhibition of work by finalists at Arts Victoria. • Lorraine ‘Bunta’ Patten was the winner of the $15,000 Deadly Art Award for a charcoal on paper titled My Country 2005. • The $5,000 Lin Onus Award for an Indigenous artist living and working in Victoria aged 30 years and under was awarded to Kye McGuire for a pastel on paper titled Warraman 2005. • At the award ceremony Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, (Australia), National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) announced a new NGV Acquisitive Indigenous Art Award valued at $5,000 to be introduced in 2006. Indigenous Mentorship Grants totalling $15,000 were awarded to David Arden ($7,000) to work with Shane Howard to learn about CD Recording and marketing methods and to ceramicist Robyne Latham ($8,000) to expand her practice by working with metal artist Geoffrey Ricardo and marketeer Carolyn Jones.

Employment Youth Employment Scheme (YES) YES provides wage subsidies to support creation of traineeships and apprenticeships for young people in Victorian Government Departments and agencies. Since the commencement of YES in 2000-01 181 Indigenous trainees have been assisted. This includes 30 Indigenous trainees/ – apprentices, out of the 1,343 approved YES commencements in 2005-06. Workforce Participation Partnerships (WPP) Workforce Participation Partnerships helps jobseekers who face barriers to employment to find sustainable jobs in areas with skills shortages. Indigenous Victorians are targeted under this program. As at 30 June 2006, ten projects under WPP with funding of approximately $2.5 million will specifically target Indigenous jobseekers to assist them into employment. Indigenous Employment in the Public Sector The Victorian Government aims to improve Indigenous employment opportunities and promote diversity within the public sector workforce. In 2005–06 the Victorian Government continued to build on existing work 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. The State Services Authority (SSA) undertook a review in 2005-06 of Government’s initiatives for Indigenous employment in the public sector. It recommended that future effort should focus on growing the supply of potential Indigenous employees. SSA is also undertaking research into barriers to Indigenous employment and expects to report to the Premier in August 2006. Departments also reported an increase in activity designed to improve the supply of Indigenous people job ready for the public sector. These activities include: • Traineeships; • Apprenticeships; • Scholarship for both secondary and tertiary students; • Summer clerkships and work experience placements; • Ongoing support and scholarships to achieve post graduate qualifications; and • Pre-employment skills development for Indigenous job seekers.

Family and community health and well being

Addressing individual and community well-being, knowledge, skills and identity of Indigenous Victorians through positive strategies. Better Health Outcomes In general, Indigenous people in Victoria have lower health status than non-Indigenous people. They suffer earlier onset and higher rates of chronic disease. The Aboriginal Health Promotion and Chronic Care Partnership The Aboriginal Health Promotion and Chronic Care partnership was established to: • Increase access to primary health care services by Aboriginal Victorians; • Improve clinical service delivery, coordination and continuity of care, and support for chronic disease self-management approaches; • Coordinate approaches to health promotion planning, implementation and evaluation; and, • Increase the capacity of Community Health Services to provide culturally sensitive services. The AHPACC Partnership is a new program model developed through a consultative process with VACCHO. It will be implemented in nine sites across Victoria and includes the establishment of new positions to support health promotion and chronic disease management. It will support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Community Health Services to work together to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians with, or at risk of, chronic disease. A particular focus will be to develop the workforce and improve organisational support for both Aboriginal and mainstream workers and organisations. Aboriginal Health Promotion Training Package The 5-day health promotion course is a workforce development initiative specifically developed to provide a culturally and educationally appropriate course and curriculum materials for Aboriginal health workers. The course aims to increase the capabilities and capacity of Aboriginal healthcare workers to prevent and better manage chronic disease in Aboriginal communities through health promotion activities. Primary Health in the Hume Regional Office funded $25,000 to pilot the training program which was run in partnership with VACCHO. The pilot attracted approximately 15 participants over the 10 modules. Health promotion programs with workforce development components have incorporated the course into their planning and delivery. Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients (ICAP) ICAP operates across all public hospitals in Victoria and aims to improve access to acute health services for Aboriginal people to: • ensure that Indigenous patients receive culturally sensitive care and appropriate referrals; • establish a whole of health service responsibility for meeting the needs of Indigenous patients; and • promote partnerships with health services and Indigenous Community Controlled Organisations in the planning of health services. To assist health services to improve access for Indigenous patients, three project officers have been appointed. Changes are evident with a number of hospitals employing Liaison / Planning Officers for the first time and developing strategies to improve services to Indigenous patients. The result is improved identification of Indigenous patients using health services. Improving Dental Health A 2-chair dental clinic was established at Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative as part of the Rural Dental Clinical School in Shepparton. The Service when operational in July 2006 aims to: • Address oral health needs; • Provide dental services and oral health promotion programs; • Develop an Indigenous dental workforce; and • Integrate oral health with other health programs. Smiles 4 Miles Oral Health Program Smiles 4 Miles aims to improve the oral health of Aboriginal pre-school children in areas at high risk of poor oral health. In 2005-06, it was implemented in Aboriginal communities in Horsham, Shepparton and Wodonga. Positive Child Health and Development Early childhood experiences and opportunities are critically important for children’s later chances in life. The Victorian Government has a range of strategies to ensure that Aboriginal families and children can benefit from universal services such as kindergarten education and that these services are able to respond to their particular circumstances. Koori Early Childhood Education Program (KECEP) The KECEP aims to increase and enhance the participation of Indigenous children and their families in kindergarten programs. The program is supported by a Statewide Coordinator, approximately eight regionally based Koorie Early Childhood Field Officers and Koorie Preschool Assistants (15 equivalent full time positions). The rate of Indigenous children enrolled in Victorian Kindergartens, as a percentage of those attending school in the next year, has increased steadily from 62% in 1999 to 79% in 2004. Aboriginal Best Start Aboriginal Best Start is a prevention and early intervention project that aims to improve the health, development, learning and well being of Indigenous children from pregnancy to transition to school. Local partnerships of education, health, family service providers, Indigenous service providers, parents and Elders have been formed to develop and implement an action plan to address local need. In 2003-04, the Government allocated $7.6m to establish 13 demonstration Best Start sites including 2 Indigenous projects in Morwell and Horsham. In 2005-06 a further $10.8M was allocated to establish a further 17 Best Start sites including 4 Indigenous projects in Geelong, Bairnsdale, Echuca and Dandenong. In addition, an Aboriginal Child Health and Well Being Survey is currently being developed to monitor the outcomes for Indigenous children. Getting Help for Vulnerable Families Earlier Family Support Innovations Projects (FSIP) The Victorian Government committed $3.7 million to FSIP in 2002-03 rising to $11.58 million in 2005-06. By the end of this period there were 39 FSIP of which 12 were Indigenous. Four new Indigenous Family Support Innovation projects were established in Ballarat, Bendigo, Wellington, Melton/ Wyndham and Whittlesea local government areas in 2005- 06. FSIP intended outcomes are to: • Divert a significant proportion of families currently notified to Child Protection services to community based services; • Minimise client renotifications and the progression of families into the Child Protection system; and • Provide an improved service capacity for families who may not come into contact with Child Protection services. FSIP service approach is characterised by: • Provision of a continuum of services tailored to meet the individual needs of the child and family; • Provision of earlier intervention to divert the need for Child Protection involvement, where appropriate; • Longer term and/or episodic support for children and families where chronic and/or complex needs are present; and • Use of a child/youth centred, family focused approach to ensure that outcomes for children/young people are at the centre of assessment, planning and intervention. Aboriginal Family Decision Making Program The Aboriginal Family Decision Making Program aims to assist Indigenous families who are involved with child protection services to find solutions that protect the child and maintain the child’s care within the family and Indigenous community. Extended family members and respected Elders participate in the decision making process about the care and protection of children and young people in their community. Once the program is fully implemented across all regions in 2008, the target will be 255 Indigenous families receiving the service each year. Aboriginal Family Restoration Program Commencing in 2005-06 in Echuca, with two further projects planned in the North and West Metropolitan region and regional Victoria, this initiative aims to prevent future harm and disadvantage for the most at-risk Aboriginal children and reduce their over- representation in out-of-home care. Each program has a target of five families per year completing the intensive treatment program. Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice and Support Service This Service which commenced in 2002-03 provides a joint response with child protection to every Indigenous child who is notified to child protection from the point of notification to the conclusion of child protection involvement. In 2005-06 ACSASS was involved in assisting 2009 Indigenous children. An independent evaluation of the working of this Service and the protocol arrangement under which it works with the Department of Human Services is being undertaken.

Substance Use and Misuse Koori Alcohol & Drug Workforce Development There is an ongoing commitment to continue developing the Koori Alcohol and Drug workforce. In 2005-06 several achievements were made. 18 people from agencies across the State, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland, Warrnambool, Mildura, Southern Metropolitan and Northern Metropolitan areas successfully completed the Residential Certificate IV in Alcohol and Drug Studies. In addition, both recipients of the Alcohol and Drug Intrain scholarship successfully completed their course requirements. Koori FACES Program The Koori FACES Program is a family strengthening program which aims to build resilience against drug and alcohol misuse in children. VACCA developed and delivered two Koori FACES pilot programs in Morwell (ten participants) and Glenroy (nine participants). Following the evaluation, a further two programs in Gippsland and Barwon South Western were established.

Building Resilience in Families and Communities Strengthening Indigenous Youth The Victorian Government supported the development of strong and resilient Indigenous young people through the following programs: – Indigenous perspective in Future Directions – VIYAC facilitated the inclusion of the perspective of Indigenous young people in redesigning the Victorian Government’s youth agenda Future Directions; – Advance program – The program provides opportunities for young people, including Indigenous young people, to develop practical partnerships within their communities. In 2005 1% of the 10,200 young Victorians actively involved in local partnership activities were Indigenous. Schools have reported that some community partnerships included local Indigenous communities or are with Indigenous organisations such as Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative in Geelong; – National Youth Week – The program provides opportunities for young people to work in partnership with local government and community organisations to plan, develop and implement events that celebrate and recognise the value of diverse young Victorians and give them the opportunity to get involved in their community. In 2006 there were five funded events from organisations that focused specifically on Indigenous young people; and – Youth Participation and Access – In 2005-06 Indigenous young people are a target group in 21 out of the 100 funded organisations under the Youth Participation and Access Program. The program aims to build strong, active and resilient communities by assisting young people to have the opportunities, skills and recognition for contributing to a full range of social, learning and cultural activities.

Disability Services Support and Choice Initiative ‘Support & Choice’ provides individually tailored support, giving people with a disability more choices, control over their lives and opportunities. It involves a planning process directed by the person with a disability. ‘Support and Choice’ is flexible and responsive to people’s diverse needs and backgrounds and respects the needs of families and carers while supporting people within their local communities as much as possible. Targets for the Support and Choice Initiative packages included Indigenous people with a disability. Since the Support and Choice Initiative commenced in 2003, over 30 Indigenous people with a disability have been provided with culturally appropriate supports based on their individualised plans. Supports have been provided through a range of mainstream, disability-specific and Indigenous community organisations. Respite Growth Funds Respite Growth Funds totalling approximately $200,000 ($66,000 nonrecurrent) were allocated to five Indigenous community organisations to allow them to develop culturally appropriate respite responses to assist ageing carers over the age of 45. As a result of the growth funds the number of Indigenous carers over the age of 45 receiving respite has increased by 54 in 2005-06. Home and Community Care – “Going Forward Together” The Going Forward Together Strategy made progress in developing the capacity of Home and Community Care services (HACC) to better respond to need in Indigenous communities. Funding for Indigenous Training Initiatives The aim of this initiative is for all HACC Workers to have Certificate III in Community Services. In 2005-06, 11 of 13 Indigenous HACC Workers in Loddon Mallee, Hume and Gippsland Region and Melbourne also completed a Victoria University Advanced Diploma of Business Management and graduated. New training proposals will be developed for 2006-07 in consultation with the Victorian Indigenous Committee for Aged Care and Disability. Aboriginal Services and Resources Directory The web-based Directory provides information on services and resources to assist Indigenous and mainstream providers in referring Indigenous HACC clients to local and culturally relevant services. The Directory was launched in July 2005. The Government provided $5.1 million over four years in A Fairer Victoria to assist Indigenous Victorians affected by the historical separation from their families. Stolen Generations Victoria was supported to engage in education, information and advocacy to broaden community understanding about the ongoing effects of separation. The establishment of Stolen Generations Victoria continued with the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer, commencement of work on governance training for Board members and a communications framework. In addition, funding was provided to the Koorie Heritage Trust for the Koorie Family History Service. The Public Records Office Victoria has undertaken a range of initiatives to improve access to records. Indigenous Family Violence Progress was made in 2005-06 on Indigenous family violence initiatives that aim to help prevent, reduce and respond to family violence in Indigenous communities. Including in: Healing Services The Healing Services aim to increase awareness of the effects of family violence within Indigenous communities, and enhance safety and recovery from the effects of violence. Whilst each of the healing service models is tailored to meet the needs of individual communities, services include counselling and group work; healing circles, cultural activities such as art programs, song and dance programs, and camps. Indigenous Time Out Services The establishment of four Indigenous Time Out Services will provide Indigenous people who use violence against family members with a place to go to cool off and access support to help them manage their violent behaviour. Locations for the establishment of Time Out Services were announced in 2005-06. Time Out Services are being established in the Loddon Mallee North, Hume, East Gippsland and North and West Metropolitan Regions. Funding of $100,000 per annum has been provided for each of these services. Indigenous Family Violence Community Initiatives Fund In 2005-06 the Community Initiatives Fund provided grants totalling $1.05 million to 27 Indigenous organisations and community groups to support the development of local responses that raise awareness of family violence, such as family violence prevention workshops, trivia nights, family and children’s days, men’s forums, youth camps, and Elders events. Better Housing Outcomes Aboriginal Rental Housing Program (AHRP) The aim of the ARHP is to provide appropriate housing to Indigenous Victorians through partnership between the Office of Housing and the Aboriginal Housing Board of Victoria. In 2005-06 an additional 24 AHRP properties were purchased bringing the total number of properties to 1,295. AHBV Transition to Independence The ARHP is currently managed by the Office of Housing, in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Board of Victoria (AHBV), now Aboriginal Housing Victoria, which provides advice on the delivery of the program. The Director of Housing (DOH) owns the properties. Since September 2004 the AHBV has been working in partnership with the Office of Housing to progress a Transition to self-determination and community ownership of the Victorian ARHP. The Transition to Independence is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was agreed by the OoH and the AHBV in September 2004 (noting that the MoU was revised in November 2005 to adjust the timelines). The AHBV made progress in the Transition to Independence process by improving governance and business planning structures to build its organisational capacity. Achievements in 2005-06 include developing a three year strategic Business Plan, adopting a new information management database to assist staff with tenancy management responsibilities, undertaking financial modelling and developing a risk management strategy. Public Tenant Employment Program (PTEP) The Public Tenant Employment Program is creating employment and training by specifying in building and maintenance contracts that private contractors must employ a percentage of public tenants as part of their staff. 17 Indigenous people have been employed in the first 18 months of operation, which is 15% of total people employed in the program. The program has also facilitated the establishment of a small Indigenous cleaning business that is now operating successfully. Social Housing Innovations Project (SHIP) The SHIP allocated $4.5M specifically to develop independent accommodation for older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Under this initiative approximately $0.6M was used to deliver four units of Indigenous specific accommodation in 2005-06. These units provide affordable and secure rental housing in Robinvale for Indigenous Victorians.

Indigenous Sport and Recreation Indigenous Sports Leadership Program The Indigenous Sports Leadership Program was developed and delivered in partnership with a consortium of three Victorian Indigenous community organisations. The program provided the opportunity for up to 40 young Indigenous people between the ages of 18 – 24 from across the State to develop skills in sports administration and event management. The program ran over five days in partnerships with VAEAI, VACSAL and Swinburne University. It incorporated accredited training modules in sports administration and event management. Participants also engaged in cultural and sports activities, mentoring programs and opportunities to extend learning through further employment and training pathways through community leaders, mentors and other organisations such as AFL SportsReady. 24 young people completed the week.

Improved justice outcomes

Addressing injustice and providing a safe and secure environment for Indigenous families and communities to live in. Fifteen years after the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, Indigenous Victorians continue to be over-represented in the criminal justice system. When standardised for age, Indigenous people are nine times more likely to be incarcerated in Victoria than other Victorians. While this rate of over-representation is the second lowest of any State or Territory in Australia, the Victorian Government remains committed to improving justice outcomes for Indigenous Victorians.

Promoting Awareness of Legal Rights In 2005-06 the following consultations and information sessions were conducted with Indigenous communities to raise awareness of legal rights. Victims’ rights 29 information sessions for Indigenous victims of crime took place in metropolitan and regional areas to provide information about victims’ rights, entitlements and services. An overview report was compiled by the Victims Support Agency that indicated that relationships between a number of Indigenous organisations with justice agencies and victims’ support services were either established or strengthened. Victims Charter Consultations A series of seven community consultations with Indigenous communities took place regarding the development of a Victims Charter. Feedback was used to inform the Victims Charter Act 2006, which was introduced into Parliament in June 2006. Information gathered from the sessions was also used to inform implementation of the Charter. Human Rights Charter A summary paper was prepared by the Human Rights Unit in the Department of Justice to encourage participation of Indigenous communities in the development of the legislative and policy framework for human rights protection and promotion in Victoria. Over 280 Indigenous people participated in the community consultation, strongly advocating issues of particular concern for Indigenous people.

Enhanced Problem Gambling Services for Indigenous Communities Based on the findings arising from the Health Promotion and Best Practice Services for Indigenous Communities project, activities commenced in two priority areas – culturally appropriate counselling services and enhanced community development activities. The aim of this initiative is to increase awareness of and participation in services to address problem gambling. The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited were funded to provide enhanced services to address problem gambling in Indigenous communities.

Implementation Review of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody The Implementation Review of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the Government’s response were completed and tabled in Parliament in October 2005. The Government committed to the development of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement, Phase 2 as the response to the report’s justice-related recommendations and findings.

Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 2 A partnership agreement was signed 2 June 2006 by Government Ministers (Attorney General and Ministers for Aboriginal Affairs, Children, Community Services, Police and Emergency Services, Corrections) and senior representatives from the Indigenous community (Chairperson, Victorian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee and the Chairpersons of the seven Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees) to reduce Indigenous over-representation in the criminal justice system. The 2006 State Budget provided additional support of $26.1M over four years to implement the second phase of the VAJA which included building on the following achievements in 2005-06. Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC) and Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committee (LAJAC) Networks The objectives of the regional and local Aboriginal Justice Committees are to: • Develop cross-agency linkages and promote information sharing at a local level; and • Assess local community needs and map service provision and utilisation. The Regional Committees continued to represent the community in its dealings with Government on justice-related issues. An additional RAJAC was established in 200506 in the North-West Metropolitan Region, building on the one metropolitan and five regional RAJACs established in 2000-01. Four LAJACs were also established in Mildura, Robinvale, Swan Hill and Wodonga. The primary function of these LAJACs is to identify and address local issues that contribute to poor justice outcomes for local Indigenous communities and promote Indigenous participation in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of local justice initiatives. Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria, Aboriginal Mediation Project The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria provides a range of culturally appropriate alternative dispute resolution services to the Indigenous community. This includes telephone dispute resolution and advisory, mediation and facilitation services. In 2005- 06: • 67 dispute resolution advisory calls and enquiries were responded to; • 14 cases were received for resolution, five of which progressed to mediation; • 75% of mediated matters resulted in agreement; • 22 community education activities were conducted; and • One 5-day training course in Certificate lV in Community Mediation was held for RAJAC Executive Members & Koori Court personnel. Koori Night Patrol Program In 2005-06 six Night Patrol Programs around the State were funded to remove Indigenous people from situations in which they are at risk of contact with the criminal justice system. Frontline Youth Initiative The aim of the Frontline Youth Initiative Program is to reduce the likelihood that Indigenous youth at risk of contact with the criminal justice system will come into contact with the criminal justice system. 13 Indigenous Community Organisations were funded in 2005-06 for two years to deliver Frontline Youth Initiatives. These are the first Programs funded under this initiative. It is intended that as these projects are completed additional projects will be funded in the future. Youth Diversion (Cautioning) Pilot Program The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) in partnership with Victoria Police examined the Victoria Police cautioning program to identify improved strategies to reduce the Indigenous youth contact with the Justice System. The research project aims to examine the disparity in cautioning rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous offenders and identify influencing factors. Monitoring of cautioning trends commenced in identified project sites in Mildura and the Latrobe Valley. Koori Courts The Koori Courts operate to provide culturally relevant support in sentencing. Koori Courts offer the opportunity to reduce the further involvement of child and adult Koori offenders in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Since 2002, Koori Courts have been established in Shepparton, Broadmeadows, Warrnambool, La Trobe Valley and Mildura. Sittings commenced at the Koori Court in Moe on 4 May 2006. In October 2005 the Children’s Koori Court commenced operating at the Children’s Court in Melbourne. A Court Advice Worker is funded to support the juvenile justice program within the Children’s Koori Court. A review of the Koori Courts, conducted in 2005 found they have been a ‘resounding success’ in reducing recidivism14 and interrupting the cycle of re-offending that characterises Indigenous offenders. The Shepparton Koori Court and the Broadmeadows Koori Court had recidivism rates of 12.5% and 15.5% respectively, which is significantly below the general recidivism rate of 29.4%. The Koori Courts achieved similar reductions in breach rates for community corrections orders and failures to appear. Aboriginal Official Prison Visitors The primary role of the Aboriginal Official Visitors (AOV) Program is to provide the Minister for Corrections with independent advice in relation to the operation of the prison to which the AOV is appointed. They did, and do report to the Minister as a matter of course. During 2005-06 four Aboriginal Official Prison Visitors made visits to Loddon Prison, Bendigo Prison, Tarrengower Prison, Dhurringile Prison, Beechworth Prison, Barwon Prison, the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, the Melbourne Remand Centre and the Melbourne Assessment Prisons. Koori Cognitive Skills Program The aim of the mainstream Cognitive Skills Program (CSP) is to help prisoners develop their skills for thinking about problems and solving them in real life circumstances and to help prisoners apply their skills in a way that reduces the likelihood of future offending behaviour. The mainstream CSP has been adapted to meet the cultural needs of male and female Indigenous prisoners. The CSP was piloted at Loddon Prison (ten Indigenous prisoners participated), Barwon Prison (nine Indigenous prisoners) and Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (five Indigenous prisoners). Indigenous Affairs in Victoria

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. He also has direct responsibility for the operation of Victoria’s central Indigenous Affairs policy development and coordination

14 Harris, M. “A Sentencing Conversation” Evaluation of the Koori Courts Pilot Program 2005 p6 Aboriginal Official Prison Visitors 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 new Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, protecting the State’s Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs The Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs is chaired by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and includes the Ministers for Education; Children; and Skills, Education Services and Employment; and the Attorney-General. The Premier established the taskforce in late 2006 to oversee an integrated policy approach to future investment in Aboriginal Affairs with a view to developing strategies that will reduce the lifetime disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Victorians. The Taskforce will work with the Departmental Secretaries and Indigenous community leaders, including the Premier’s Aboriginal Advisory Council to lead implementation of Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians, the revised VIAF launched by Minister Jennings in October 2006. The Taskforce will work to establish a stronger evidence base on which improved outcomes can be built. A whole-of-government performance and monitoring framework based on the strategic change indicators of Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians will be developed to demonstrate progress toward achievement of lasting improvement. Ministers will also oversee the implementation of the New Representative and Community Engagement Arrangements.

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 wellbeing through partnerships to achieve Indigenous aspirations for land, economic development, culture, heritage, family and community using whole of government approaches to the provision of services and policy development. AAV managed a budget of $19.3 million in 2005-06. 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; and • The Aboriginal Land and Economic Development Program Detailed information about AAV 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. It provided, for the first time, an 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 2005-06 was: • The Hon Steve Bracks MP, Premier of Victoria; • The Hon Gavin Jennings MLC, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; • Ms Jill Gallagher, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO); • 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 2005-06 included the: • Revision of the VIAF; • Policy on streamlining funding to Indigenous organisations; and • Development of New Representative and Community Engagement arrangements for Indigenous Victorians. The PAAC held out of session meetings – Supporting the improvement of with Minister Jennings on a number of health standards and quality of living occasions during 2005- 2006. for Indigenous women, families and The Partnership Co-ordination and Management Framework of Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians, the revised VIAF, will strengthen the link between the Indigenous community and PAAC, and PAAC with Government leadership including the Ministerial Taskforce and Secretaries Group. Indigenous Women Going Places Ministerial Advisory Committee The Indigenous Women Going Places Ministerial Advisory Committee (the IWGP MAC) was first established in June 2001 by the Minister for Women’s Affairs as a means of facilitating formal discussion, consultation and liaison between Victoria’s Indigenous women, their communities and the Victorian Government. The term of the second iteration of the IWGP MAC spanned from 2003 to 2006 and concluded its work in April 2006. The IWGP MAC’s achievements during this term are set out in the Strategic Plan 20022005: Outcomes Report which is available to download at http://www.women.vic.gov.au. The Report documents the activities and outcomes of the Committee’s three year Strategic Plan for Victorian Indigenous Women 2002-2005, which was developed to guide future directions and detail plans for addressing Indigenous women’s issues and priorities in Victoria on a local, regional and State-wide basis. Six goals underpinned the Strategic Plan, including: • Providing support to Indigenous women in paid and unpaid employment; • Raising awareness of the importance of the environment to Victorian Indigenous women, their culture, families and community; communities; • Supporting improved participation rates and measurable outcomes for Indigenous women in education and training; • Raising awareness of the issues faced by Indigenous women in housing, and give support to those organisations that provide housing services; and • Being a transparent committee that is active in providing advice to the Government, whilst also providing information to Indigenous women across Victoria. The overarching achievement of the IWGP MAC’s 2002-2005 Strategic Plan has been the strategic linking of Indigenous women and organisations to various Government programs and initiatives. The Plan also contributed to improved provision of information to Indigenous women on a range of issues, and provided several opportunities for Victorian Indigenous women to be consulted on various policy and program initiatives. 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. The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria auspices VIYAC and has employed an Indigenous person to the position of Coordinator. The Government extended funding for VIYAC through an announcement in late 2006. Two of its members – Jamie McConnachie and Isaac Haddock – have been acknowledged as role models for their communities. Jamie is the Victorian representative for National Youth Week 2007 and Isaac was announced as the joint winner of the 2006 Ricci Marks Indigenous Young Achiever Award. The Coordinator has established a steering group and Indigenous young people have been identified to represent their communities on the council.

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 further 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 issues underlying the over- representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system; and • monitors and reports on implementation and justice outcomes. 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 Portland in December 2005 and Melbourne in March 2006. In 2005-06 Forum membership comprised a range of senior community and Government representatives including the: • Chairperson (or nominated representative) Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS); • Chairperson (or nominated representative) Aboriginal Community Justice Panels Program; • Chairperson (or nominated representative) Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service (Victoria); • Representatives of the seven Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees; • Secretaries and Senior Executives • Departments of Justice, Human Services, Victorian Communities and Education and Training (as required); • Chief Commissioner of Police; • Chief Magistrate; • The President of the Children’s Court; • Corrections Commissioner; and • Chief Executive, Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria. Department of Human Services (DHS) Indigenous Family Violence Aboriginal Human Services Forum Partnership 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 Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum (the Forum) was established on 22 April 2005, to develop and implement a ten-year plan to address the issue of Indigenous family violence in Victoria. The forum is also the primary accountability The Forum was chaired by Mary Gillett MP, mechanism for DHS commitments to and includes senior Victorian and Australian Aboriginal people through the Department’s Government representatives and Indigenous Aboriginal Services Plan (January 2004). community leaders. 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 the Secretary – Geelong in December 2005; and of 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 2005, March 2006 and June 2006. Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum The Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum (the Forum) was established on 22 April 2005, to develop and implement a ten-year plan to address the issue of Indigenous family violence in Victoria. The Forum was chaired by Mary Gillett MP, and includes senior Victorian and Australian Government representatives and Indigenous community leaders. The Forum is currently developing a long term strategic policy response to address family violence in Indigenous communities across Victoria. In 2005/06 three Forums were held: • Echuca in August 2005; • Geelong in December 2005; and • Mildura in May 2006. Glossary AALC - Australian Alps Liaison Committee AAV - Aboriginal Affairs Victoria ABS - Australian Bureau of Statistics ACSASS - Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice and Support Service ACE - Adult and Community Education ACMI - Australian Centre for the Moving Image AFL - Australian Football League AFDM - Aboriginal Family Decision Making AHBV - Aboriginal Housing Board of Victoria AIHW - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare AOV - Aboriginal Official Visitors ARHP - Aboriginal Rental Housing Program ASHE - Academy of Sport, Health and Education ATSIC - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission CAV - Consumer Affairs Victoria COAG - Council of Australian Governments CSP - Cognitive Skills Program DET - Department of Education and Training DOH - Director of Housing DHS - Department of Human Services DIIRD - Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development DOI - Department of Infrastructure DoJ - Department of Justice DPC - Department of Premier and Cabinet DPI - Department of Primary Industries DSE - Department of Sustainability and Environment DTF - Department of Treasury and Finance DVC - Department for Victorian Communities FSIP - Family Support Innovations Project ICAP - Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients IWGP – MAC Indigenous Women Going Places Ministerial Advisory Committee KBN - Koori Business Network KECEP - Koori Early Childhood Education Program LAJAC - Local Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee NGV - National Gallery of Victoria OID - Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage OoH - Office of Housing ORAC - Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations PAAC - Premiers Aboriginal Advisory Council PTEP - Public Tenant Employment Program RAJAC - Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee SBS - Special Broadcasting Service SHIP - Social Housing Innovation Project SSA - State Services Authority TAFE - Technical and Further Education VACCHO - Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation VACCA - Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency VACSAL - Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited VAEAI - Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc VAJA - Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement VALS - Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service VCE - Victorian Certificate of Education VET - Vocational Education and Training VIYAC - Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council VPS - Victorian Public Sector WPP - Workforce Participation Partnerships YES - Youth Employment Scheme Appendix 1 Victoria’s performance on selected headline indicators for Indigenous Outcomes 15 Victorian data for 2005/06 is unavailable due to small numbers and low coverage of Indigenous deaths.

Headline Indicator All Victorians Indigenous Year and Source Victorians

Life Expectancy (Years)

Males 78.2 60.0 Overcoming Indigenous Females 83.1 65.1 Disadvantage (OID) Key Indicators Report 2005 ABS Deaths Australia 2004

Birthweight

Percentage of all births 6.4 13.5 2004 Australia’s Mothers and less than 2500 grams Babies 2004, AIHW Cat. No. PER 34, AIHW National Perinatal Statistics Unit (Perineatal Statistics Series No. 18),

Suicide

Percentage of total 1.7 4.8 1999-2001. Unpublished15 deaths

School Retention (per cent of)

To year 10 98.0 81.2 2005 School Year data To year 12 82.2 55.4 SCRGSP, 2007 Report on Government Services

School attainment

Year 12 Certificate 82.7 44.6 ABS Schools Australia 2004

Unemployment

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

Household Income

Median Gross weekly 630 465 ABS 2002, NATSISS and GSS equivalised - $ per week

15 Victorian data for 2005/06 is unavailable due to small numbers and low coverage of indigenous deaths. Home Ownership

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

Child Protection

Substantiations Per 6.7 67.7 2005-06. SCRGSP, 2007 Report on 1000 children aged 0-16 Government Services years

Placed in out of home 4.1 42.1 care Per 1000 children aged 0-17 years

Imprisonment

Per 1000 adults 93.7 1151.0 2005-06. SCRGSP, 2007 Report on Government Services

Juvenile Incarceration

Male 26.3 302.7 OID Report 2005 Statistics on rates Female 1.9 34.0 of Juvenile detention in Australia Per 100,000 aged 10-17 1981-2003. years Appendix 2 Improving the Lives of Indigenous Victorians Strategic Policy Framework

Victorian Strategic Area for Strategic Change Indicators Action 1.1 Reduced reported smoking and alcohol use in 1 Improve maternal health pregnancy by Indigenous mothers. and early childhood health 1.2 Reduce the Indigenous perinatal mortality rate. and development. 1.3 Increase the percentage of Indigenous babies with birthweight at or above 2500g. 1.4 Increase the Indgenous four year old kindergarten participation rate. 1.5 Reduce the rate of Indigenous child protection substantiations. 2.1 Improve school attendance rates for Indigenous 2 Improve literacy and students numeracy. 2.2 Improve literacy and numeracy in years 3, 5 and 7 for Indigenous students. 3.1 Improve transition to year 10 for Indigenous 3 Improve year 12 completion students. or equivalent qualification 3.2 Increase completion of Year 12 or equivalent and develop pathways to qualification for Indigenous students. employment, 3.3 Increase Indigenous participation in state- funded employment programs. 4.1 Increase in police responding to and taking 4 Prevent family violence and action on any Indigenous family violence improve justice outcomes incident reported to them, 4.2 Reduce repeat police call outs for Indigenous family violence incidents. 4.3 Reduce the number of times Indigenous youth are processed by police (arrest + summons + caution). 4.4 Increase the proportion of Indigenous people cautioned when processed by police. 4.5 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous people remanded in custody. 4.6 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous adults sentenced to prison rather than other orders. 4.7 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous adults/youth who are convicted within two years of their previous conviction. 5.1 Increase Indigenous participation in State- 5 Improve economic funded employment programs. development, settle native 5.2 Increase the proportion of Indigenous people title claims and address with access to their traditional lands. land access issues. 6.1 Increase workforce participation by Indigenous 6 Build Indigenous capacity. people in the public sector in ways which can drive improvements in the Victorian Strategic Areas for Action. 6.2 Increase the proportion of board members of large Indigenous organisations ($1M plus of public funds per annum) having undertaken rigorous governance training. 6.3 Increase the proportion of Indigenous Co- operatives and other organisations meeting their statutory obligations.

Published by Department for Victorian Communities 1 Spring Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Tel (03) 9208 3333 April 2007 Also published on www.dvc.vic.gov.au © Copyright State of Victoria 2007 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by Department for Victorian Communities Designed by The White Studio