Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework
The Victorian Government's approach to First Peoples affairs is guided by the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018-2023 (VAAF). The framework is grounded in the voices, perspectives and priorities of the Victorian First Peoples community and renews the Victorian Government's commitment to self determination.
The VAAF acknowledges the centrality of economic opportunity and prosperity to improving outcomes and the critical element of providing and supporting jobs. We will draw upon its commitment to Goal 9 of “Strong Aboriginal workforce participation, in all sectors and at all levels”
Objectives
National Agreement on Closing the Gap
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Indigenous Reform Agreement commits all governments to several ‘Closing the Gap’ targets through the Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan. Specifically, our Strategy will directly contribute to the following targets by 2031:
Targets
National Land Transport Infrastructure Partnership Agreement, First Peoples employment, and economic participation targets
The Major Transport Infrastructure Authority
The 2.5 per cent First Peoples employment target (total labour hours) for its major projects, including the:
- Level Crossing Removal Project.
- Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project.
- West Gate Tunnel Project.
- North East Link Project.
- Rail Projects Victoria.
Barring Djinang - Victorian Public Sector First Peoples Employment Strategy
This is the First Peoples Employment Strategy for the Victorian Public sector detailing initiatives designed to enhance attraction, recruitment, and retention of First Peoples staff to achieve 2 per cent across the Public Service.
Treaty in Victoria
The State of Victoria will work with Traditional Owners and First Peoples Victorians as equal partners on this journey. It is important for government not to pre-empt what may be in a treaty instead it must listen to the aspirations of Traditional Owners and First Peoples Victorians expressed through the treaty process and work together to deliver a treaty or treaties that will benefit all Victorians. Treaty is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the unique status, rights, cultures and histories of Traditional Owners and First Peoples Victorians.
The Victorian Government is committed to acknowledging the truth of Victoria’s history and laying the foundations for new, positive relationships between the State, First Peoples Victorians, and non-First Peoples Victorians.
Yoorrook Justice Commission
The Yoorrook Justice Commission is the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria. The commission will investigate historical and ongoing injustices committed against First Peoples Victorians since colonisation, by the state and nonstate entities across all areas of social and political life. It will engage First Peoples and Non-First Peoples community to achieve its aims of truth-telling and listening.
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