As a central agency, DPC plays a dual role in enabling self-determination. DPC supports consistent and coordinated whole of government SDRF action as well as reforming our own policies, processes, systems and cultures to progress the community-identified self-determination reform enablers (Figure 1).
Self-determination enablers
Each year, DPC coordinates reporting on whole of government SDRF action and commitments through the VGAAR, using information from all departments’ annual SDRF reports. Within DPC, all parts of the department are supported to embed self-determination principles and enablers into core policies, programs, business processes and delivery systems
The newly established First Peoples-State Relations Group in DPC is responsible for an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples. DPC’s commitment to promoting Aboriginal leadership is reflected in FPSR’s executive team.
In November 2021, DPC’s Board of Management endorsed the Terms of Reference for a Subcommittee on Self-Determination Reform (Subcommittee). The Subcommittee will perform a key role in improving internal systems, policies and processes to enable self-determination, including creating change across DPC in line with whole of government commitments. It will also collaborate on key reforms led by FPSR, such as progressing treaty; responding to and supporting the Yoorrook Justice Commission; leading whole of government reform under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the VAAF; and promoting cultural rights.
The outcomes of DPC’s self-determination reform efforts between July 2020 and December 2021 provide a blueprint for how DPC will focus its reform activities moving forward.
Updated