Question regarding reviews of cultural safety within the Department of Communities (formerly Child Protection) over the past five years. The answer confirms work has been done and outlines initiatives like the Aboriginal Cultural Capability Reform Program and the establishment of an Aboriginal Cultural Council.

AnsweredQoN 2989Legislative Council
Asked
18 June 2020
Portfolio
Child Protection

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Over the last five years, has the Department of Communities (or the then Department for Child Protection) undertaken or commissioned any work to review the cultural safety of departmental practice? (2) If yes to (1), will the Minister please table a copy of any review reports? (3) If no to (2), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
20 August 2020
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Child Protection
Response time
9 days
(1-3) Yes. The Department of Communities (Communities) is currently developing an implementation plan for an Aboriginal Cultural Capability Reform Program (ACCRP).
In addition to the ACCRP, Communities has also undertaken other activities and made changes to strengthen the cultural safety of departmental practice.
In October 2019, an Aboriginal Cultural Council, comprising respected Aboriginal Elders and leaders from across Western Australia, was established to strengthen Communities’ commitment to Aboriginal outcomes. The role of the Aboriginal Cultural Council is to advise the Communities Leadership Team.
In May 2020, Communities implemented a new organisational structure that demonstrates a clear commitment to Aboriginal outcomes and integrated delivery of services to the community of Western Australia. The new structure includes a dedicated Aboriginal Outcomes division, led by a Yamatji Malgana Assistant Director General reporting directly to the Director General.
A range of other measures and employment programs have also been introduced aimed at improving the cultural capability of Communities’ workforce and providing support for Aboriginal employees, including:
The ACCRP will be informed by recommendations from a range of reports.

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