Introduction

DCJ recognises the strengths and knowledge of Aboriginal people, families and communities, and the vital importance of culture and connection to Country. We understand that working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal people, families, communities and organisations to respect, uphold and build on their strengths and knowledge will help us to remove barriers and address discrimination.

As detailed in recent and historic reports, what has happened in the past and continues to happen to Aboriginal people is not acceptable. Aboriginal communities tell us that historic and ongoing government policies and legislation have an enduring impact, and they continue to fight for self-determination in the face of intergenerational legacies of trauma, colonisation, dispossession and discrimination.

 We are committed to working with Aboriginal communities to address intergenerational trauma and to reduce the over-representation in our systems. We will enable opportunities to uphold connection to culture, for shared decision-making and partnerships, and to explore place-based solutions.

Our greatest strength in improving services to Aboriginal people is the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who choose to work at DCJ. In our workforce priority, we commit to anti-racism, improving cultural safety and building cultural capability across our organisation.