Acknowledgement of Country

Our department recognises the First Peoples of this Nation and their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to the lands, waters, seas, skies, and communities. 

We acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Custodians and Lore Keepers of the oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.

Reconciliation

We are committed to supporting reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities around Australia.

Our vision is to:

• value, understand, engage, respect and embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ innovations, knowledge and culture
• strengthen our organisation’s cultural capabilities and build a workplace where reconciliation is core to our culture
• improve economic and social opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Read about our actions to support reconciliation.

Protocols of respect

Our department encourages staff to show awareness and respect for the traditional owners of the land through a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country.

A Welcome to Country is a traditional protocol which should be presented to welcome people onto Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands. It can only be performed by a Traditional Owner of the lands on which you are meeting.

An Acknowledgement of Country can be informal or formal. It should be tailored for purpose. The type of acknowledgement undertaken should be appropriate to the nature and size of the event or material. An Acknowledgement of Country can be conducted by any person and is done as a mark of respect.