 |
|
|
The ADF has a range of Indigenous programs intended to support service members and communities and to acknowledge significant Indigenous cultural events. A growing network of Indigenous Australians exists within the ADF to provide advice and contribute to these initiatives.
The Defence Multicultural Policy recognises the value of Australia's diversity and respects that all its members have the right to express and share their cultural heritage. A culture which enables people to practise their specific cultural needs is in place and when practical, the workplace is flexible enough to make allowances for specific cultural needs, such as ceremonial leave to return home for a funeral.
Established in 2007, The Defence ATSI Network consists of members who will participate in increasing Indigenous representation within the ADF, through initiatives outlined in the Indigenous Recruitment Strategy. The ADF intends this growing network to provide advice and support to current members or those thinking of joining. Eventually, it is hoped that a regional member will be nominated to represent Defence ATSI members within their region.
The ADF supports and participates in significant cultural activities such as NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week. Last year, the CDF and NAIDOC memorial service honoured former ATSI service members at the ATSI memorial. Reconciliation Week had representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs and other senior Australian Defence Force personnel visit Cape Barron Island for a ceremony with the local Indigenous community. We recognise that these events are important milestones in both Australia's history and future and we value the chance to take part in them.
The ADF recognises that its serving Indigenous members can benefit greatly from enhanced support mechanisms, with Indigenous personnel employed in these roles. Regional Indigenous Contact Officers can become cultural advisors to the ADF Commanding Officer, run cultural awareness programs for ADF personnel and provide mentoring to individual Indigenous ADF members.
The Indigenous Recruitment Strategy (IRS) has been developed by the Australian Defence Force to improve the employment and economic future of Indigenous Australians, by increasing their representation in the ADF. This strategy is made up of a range of programs that will ensure Indigenous populations in remote, regional and urban communities have increased access and opportunities to join the ADF.
A panel of ADF IRS 'Champions' consisting of senior Defence stakeholders, both within the organisation and external, are in charge of ensuring that the aims of the IRS are met. This panel keep communication lines with top-level management open, by providing regular progress reports on the many programs being run as part of the IRS and make recommendations for any action required.
The Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Course is an 8-week program delivered at regional locations around Australia. The course is designed to prepare Indigenous Australians who have left school for the ADF recruiting processes and for a rewarding career in the Navy, Army or Air Force. Learn More
Developed by the Fairness and Resolution (FR) Branch and launched on the 10th July 2007, this plan aims to encourage greater interaction between Defence and Indigenous Australians through enhanced cultural awareness, recruitment and environmental management. The plan highlights the key ongoing activities and initiatives that the department is participating in, to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians in areas of health, housing, education and employment. Recommendations in the plan include the establishment of protocols to respect and recognise ATSI culture and heritage and continued Defence involvement in annual NAIDOC activities.
The Directorate of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) is responsible for managing Indigenous issues across Defence, consulting directly with the ADF's senior leadership. The DIA has strong links with the Defence ATSI Network and the DRAP's Reconciliation Reference Group, to report on issues such as cultural protocols, engagement with Indigenous communities and the implementation of the programs that are part of the Indigenous Recruitment Strategy.
This is a DFR initiated program that involves serving members of the ADF returning to their schools and communities to talk about life in the Navy, Army or Air Force. These visits communicate the employment opportunities and different entry pathways available to Indigenous Australians and can create a point of contact for those interested in finding out more.
The ADF believes that communities could benefit from greater awareness of the employment opportunities it offers Indigenous people. Australian public figures, known and respected by Indigenous communities can take on the role of ambassadors and partner with Defence Force Recruiting to promote ADF careers to the Indigenous population. As part of the Ambassadors Program, Defence will also strengthen relations with the national Indigenous Leadership Group and the Indigenous Youth Leadership Group and increase ADF participation in regional community projects and mentoring programs.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this website may contain images or content relating to deceased persons. It may also contain words and descriptions that are culturally sensitive.
The term Indigenous Australians will be used throughout to describe all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.