Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategy
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 123 No 3, 11 May 2020, page no. 24
The QTU has welcomed the release of the department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy.
Coming out of an 18-month consultation linked to the department’s commitment statement, it has two key priorities:
- building workplaces that understand, value and respect culture
- developing employment and career pathways.
The department frames this strategy by saying: “We recognise that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to be strong, connected, valued and respected within the department, we must build workplaces that are culturally capable and develop effective employment and careers pathways.”
The strategy is part of the department’s We All Belong approach to workplace inclusion and diversity. As part of progressing this work, DoE has created an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff online community (due to be launched in Term 2) for information and support on growing cultural capability and strengthening career opportunities.
Cultural Capability Framework Working Party
In February, the QTU was asked to encourage a range of members to nominate to be involved in the building of the department’s Cultural Capability Framework. The department actively sought a diverse group of employees to assist them in designing, shaping and developing its first such framework.
However, the QTU has been informed that the establishment of the Cultural Capability Framework Working Party has had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis. When the working party can be convened, its work will be shaped by the Queensland Government’s Cultural Capability Framework, including the definition of cultural capability and the document’s vision, underpinned by five principles:
- valuing culture
- leadership and accountability
- building cultural capability to improve economic participation
- engagement with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses
- culturally responsive systems and services.