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 1 Shortlist 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

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Agency Description Benefits Considerations

Theme 1 – Create culturally inclusive workplaces

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

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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 GeneralDoH Department of HealthWACHS WA Country Health ServicePSC Public Sector CommissionDAA Department of Aboriginal AffairsDTWD Department of Training and Workforce DevelopmentDoE Department of Education

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