Why is this important?
In 2012 Reconciliation Australia’s bi-annual Reconciliation Barometer found that nine out of 10 Australians feel that the relationship between Aboriginal people and other Australians is important.
Reconciliation Australia has developed a nationally recognised framework to support the development of Reconciliation Action Plans. Ten councils in Victoria have formally lodged their plan with Reconciliation Australia and report annually on implementation. Read more here.
Over the past decade many councils have progressed their commitment to reconciliation by signing statements of commitment, adopting policies and entering into agreements with Aboriginal groups and communities, and adopting Reconciliation Action Plans or similar.
Reconciliation Action Plans emphasise changes within an organisation, rather than on programs delivered. This approach recognises the importance of improving the understanding and attitude towards Aboriginal people by non-Aboriginal people working within the organisation.
As a public commitment, Reconciliation Action Plans send a strong signal of council’s commitment to improve partnerships with Aboriginal people.
Read Reconciliation Action Plans produced by Victorian Councils
Wyndham City Council Reconciliation Action Plan
City of Port Phillip
Mildura Rural City Council
City of Whittlesea
City of Yarra
City of Greater Dandenong
Hepburn Shire Council
East Gippsland Shire Council
Cardinia Shire Council
Glen Eira City Council
What can your council do?
Councils can develop commitments and plans in partnership with the local Aboriginal community. Reconciliation Action Plans can be registered with Reconciliation Australia.
The 2012 Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Engagement and Reconciliation Survey found that other councils have developed their own reconciliation or inclusion plans.
Councils can also work with other community groups such as local reconciliation groups to promote actions that support reconciliation. (See ‘Relationships with Aboriginal organisations’)
Last Updated: January 16, 2019 at 3:28 pm
