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We recognise and value the extensive knowledge, skills and lived experiences that First Nations employees bring. We strive to ensure we are a culturally safe workplace for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. We will improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development opportunities. We commit to increasing the engagement of First Nations businesses to create mutually beneficial commercial and cultural relationships that build economic self-determination.
| Action | Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8. Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development. | 8.1. Build understanding of current First Nations staffing levels, skills and experiences to inform future employment and professional development opportunities, including through monthly reporting of First Nations staffing metrics. | June 2026 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division |
| 8.2. Engage with First Nations staff in the development and implementation of a First Nations recruitment, retention and professional development strategy and action plan which incorporates and builds on the targets in the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy. | December 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.3. The department will increase its First Nations employee representation to 5% for Australian Public Service Level 4 – 6 officers. | December 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.4. Through the life of this RAP, the department will increase its First Nations Executive Level employee representation to 5%. | December 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.5. By December 2027, the department’s Senior Executive Service Officer cohort will be represented by 4% of First Nations employees. | December 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.6. Work collaboratively with our portfolio agencies in progressing First Nations recruitment, development and retention initiatives. | October 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.7. Ensure managers, supervisors and First Nations employees are supported and encouraged to establish career development pathway plans to enable them to actively manage their careers | August 2026 August 2027 | Lead: First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division Support: First Assistant Secretary, Employment Strategy and Policy | |
| 8.8. Develop and implement processes and guidance material to support business areas to conduct culturally appropriate and inclusive recruitment processes. | March 2026 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.9. Develop clear requirements and processes for the use of an Affirmative Measure – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recruitment. | March 2026 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.10. Advertise job vacancies to First Nations stakeholders by creating tailored job packs with clear value propositions, advertising via First Nations job boards and targeted campaigns, listing only essential skills and qualifications. | June 2026 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.11. Develop and maintain regular and effective marketing and engagement programs for our entry-level recruitment pathways. | April 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.12. Mandate cultural capability training for staff on interview panels, including unconscious bias training to recognise and value non-traditional career paths and the life experiences of candidates. | April 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.13. Create a First Nations employee support and development resource tool/hub on the intranet. | March 2026 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.14. Continue to support First Nations staff through the operation of the First Nations Employee Network (FNEN), including holding an annual face-to-face symposium, with participation valued as a core part of members’ work duties. | October 2026 October 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.15. Supplement the exit interview process to anonymously capture and report upon the experiences of First Nations staff. | August 2026 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division | |
| 8.16. Establish Indigenous Liaison Officer (ILO) roles within each state and territory to build relationships, identify service delivery gaps and barriers, and provide cultural guidance at the local level. In addition, implement appropriate governance frameworks in collaboration with ILO’s to build connections and ensure our commitments to First Nations peoples are actioned at the local level. | December 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, Workforce Australia Provider Support Division | |
| 8.17. Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to remove barriers to First Nations participation in our workplace. | July 2026 | First Assistant Secretary, People and Communication Division |
| Action | Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9. Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes. | 9.1. Maintain our membership and foster our relationship with Supply Nation as the preferred method to source goods and services from First Nations businesses. | December 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, Finance and Budget Division |
| 9.2. Ensure the department complies with the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) by aiming for a 4% target of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses – surpassing the IPP’s 3% requirement – monitoring weekly progress through the IPP Reporting System, and regularly updating procurement guidance to reflect IPP obligations, including the Mandatory Set Aside policy. | December 2027 | First Assistant Secretary, Finance and Budget Division | |
| 9.3. Develop and share resources to help staff establish compliant commercial relationships and boost procurement from First Nations businesses by providing IPP training and guidance, promoting engagement with Indigenous suppliers, encouraging simpler and more accessible procurement processes, and facilitating ‘meet the supplier’ events. | December 2027 | Lead: First Assistant Secretary, Finance and Budget Division Support: Assistant Secretary, PALM Operations Division |