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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
303
Study successful economic development schemes
That State and Commonwealth Governments study the experience of the Aboriginal Economic Employment Officer program operated by the Western Australian Department of Employment and Training and other similar schemes which enhance local Aboriginal involvement in stimulating economic activity.
We considered Recommendation 303 no longer relevant to Victoria because the Aboriginal Economic Employment Officer program run by the Western Australian Government is no longer in operation. In addition, Victoria’s economic development context differs to that of Western Australia.
Aboriginal Justice Caucus Assessment
We considered Recommendation 303 no longer relevant to Victoria because the Aboriginal Economic Employment Officer program run by the Western Australian Government is no longer in operation. In addition, Victoria’s economic development context differs to that of Western Australia.
Background
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) commended the Western Australian Department of Employment and Training’s Aboriginal Economic and Employment Development Officer program for its innovative training techniques and recommended the study of similar initiatives.
This program aimed to train Aboriginal people at the community level to ‘identify and respond to their specific employment and training needs’. The operation of the program involved consultation and identification by the community of its economic needs, the development of goals and long-term plans, and the employment of a suitable officer from the community who operated as a broker between the community and other agencies.
Projects initiated under the program included purchase of local businesses by Aboriginal people, development of training courses in trade skills and small business management, and development of long-term strategic plans.
Actions Taken Since Last Review
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) did not provide a response to Recommendation 303.
Impact
Yoorrook for Transformation
Aboriginal people experience barriers to employment, are employed in lower paying jobs and industries, and have lower wages than non- Aboriginal people.
Self-determination
Self-determination is central to addressing economic injustice in Victoria. This may take different forms, including the establishment and support of Aboriginal businesses, commercial use of land, housing development, home ownership and the creation of a capital fund to enable Aboriginal people’s participation in capital markets as investors.
Aboriginal people told Yoorrook that the Victorian Government must change legislative and policy settings and commit resources to support Victorian Aboriginal people’s economic independence and prosperity.
Community Views
Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations
For many Aboriginal people, wealth is not just about material accumulation but is also perceived in nonmonetary terms — embracing notions of social, natural and cultural capital — such as collective well-being and care of relationships between family, community and Country. Aboriginal economies are based on distribution, reciprocity and exchange that support the livelihood and sustenance of all citizens and the health of Country. Aboriginal people also place great emphasis on cultural abundance such as buildings, sites, artworks and artefacts (tangible) as well as beliefs and traditions (intangible).
First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria
Economic self-determination empowers and supports Aboriginal people to make decisions about Aboriginal people’s financial resources. It encompasses the right to freely pursue economic development, which includes the right to develop, maintain and strengthen a distinct economic institution as well as fully participate in the economic life of the state.