Best practice examples

Aboriginal employment

The following initiatives have been identified as examples of good practice in Aboriginal employment and should be shared with the sector.

Table 1Shortlist of recommended initiatives by agency

Agency / Description / Benefits / Considerations
Theme 1 – Create culturally inclusive workplaces
DoTAG, DoH, WACHS, PSC / Acknowledge local communities through Welcome to Country, Aboriginal flag and artwork / Shows respect and creates supportive environment / Incorporate in agency AES and RAP
Appropriate use of artwork
On loan from DAA or WA Museum
DAA, DoH, DTWD, PSC / Cultural awareness training / Creates welcoming environment for Aboriginal staff, clients and contractors
Supports Aboriginal economic outcomes / Budget
Online or face-to-face delivery
Ideally use Aboriginal staff to deliver / consultation
Include in Induction programs
DoH, DoTAG, PSC / Aboriginal specific branding / Reinforces Aboriginal culture
Connects activities that are focused on Aboriginal employment initiatives
DoTAG, DoH, WACHS, PSC / Celebrate significant Aboriginal specific events and agency achievements / Shows respect and creates supportive environment / Elders and families invited to attend to learn more about agency core business
DoE, DoH, DoTAG, WACHS / Internal policies include references to Aboriginal protocols / Allows for consideration for traditional beliefs and customs
Targets employees, Aboriginal clients and contractors / Consultation with Aboriginal people must occur
DoH / Aboriginal Staff Satisfaction Survey / Gauge level of satisfaction and engagement of Aboriginal staff / Possibly online via survey monkey
Link to AES and to inform other initiatives
Agency / Description / Benefits / Considerations
Theme 2 - Attract Aboriginal people
WACHS, PSC
DTWD – NAIDOC Expo.
DoH / Aboriginal staff attend community events to promote agency as employer of choice
Sponsor NAIDOC award / Connects Aboriginal community with employers / Includes promotion of agency achievements on Intersector and Koori Mail
DoH, DoTAG, PSC
DAA / Offer Aboriginal Traineeships including school based, youth or existing worker / Increase youth representation and supports existing workers with career opportunities / Budget
Position of agency to offer ongoing employment
DAA, DoE, DoH, DoTAG, DTWD, WACHS / Attraction, retention and recruitment policies and guides inclusive / considerate of Aboriginal candidates / Empowers Agency with knowledge of cultural considerations / Include differences between city vs regional processes and uses flexibilities in Commissioners Instructions – Filling a Public Sector Vacancy
Agency / Description / Benefits / Considerations
Theme 3 – Build capacity and careers
DCPFS, DoH, WACHS, PSC / Scholarships for Aboriginal employees / Linked to Professional Development Plan / Budget
DoH, DoTAG, WACHS / Agency Mentoring Program / Supports the development and retention of staff / Budget
DoH / Leadership Programs / Linked to Professional Development Plan
Designed to improve career opportunities / Budget
DoH / Conference Sponsorship / Provides networking opportunities
Linked to Professional Development Plan / Budget – local and national
DTWD
PSC / Aboriginal specific reference and networking groups / Establishes a consultative group / Include regional employees
May not be possible in small agencies

Legend

DOTAG / Department of the Attorney General
DoH / Department of Health
WACHS / WA Country Health Service
PSC / Public Sector Commission
DAA / Department of Aboriginal Affairs
DTWD / Department of Training and Workforce Development
DoE / Department of Education

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