DFAT Reconciliation Action Plan
Participation in key whole-of-government, bilateral and
multilateral forums on Indigenous issues
Key Reconciliation Result Area: |
6. Participation in key whole-of-government, bilateral and multilateral forums on Indigenous issues |
| Business Objective: | To remain engaged as appropriate in bilateral and multilateral negotiations on relevant Indigenous issues and to remain informed about current international policy directions and learning about relevant Indigenous issues. |
| Business Strategy: | Continue to participate as appropriate in consultations on the draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DDRIP). Continue to participate and support whole-of-government engagement in multilateral forums on Indigenous issues, including the annual United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN General Assembly, UNESCO and the World Health Organization. |
Reconciliation Action Plan
Tasks |
Responsibility |
Timeline |
Performance Indicator |
| Participate in consultations on DDRIP | Human Rights and Indigenous Issues Section (HRI) DFAT in consultation with FaCSIA and the Attorney‑General’s Department | By mid‑September 2007 | Australia continues to put on record in the UN the changes it would require to the current draft text in order meet its domestic legal and policy concerns |
| Provide appropriate support to FaCSIA to participate in the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues | HRI DFAT | Approx May each year for a two week period | The Australian delegation attends the Permanent Forum and speaks to those agenda items it identifies as most relevant. In 2007, these will relate primarily to Territory, Land and Resources |
| Seek timely policy guidance from ministers as required | HRI DFAT (often with FaCSIA and Attorney-General’s Department) | As required | Ability to represent Australia appropriately in multilateral forums on all relevant Indigenous issues |
| Provide support to FaCSIA in negotiations for the return of Indigenous human remains | EU and West Europe Branch and Americas Division within DFAT | As required | In accordance with the “Australian Government Policy on the Management of Overseas Repatriation of Indigenous Human Remains”, DFAT will assist FaCSIA in negotiating with foreign governments and institutions the return of Indigenous human remains to Australia |
| Support the Joint Advisory Council, Environment Management Committee, Traditional Inhabitants Meeting and Treaty Liaison Meeting and other relevant meetings under the Torres Strait Treaty | Torres Strait Treaty Liaison Office Papua New Guinea Branch |
Annual cycle of meetings | Australia continues to meet its obligations under the Torres Strait Treaty |
| Create networks to exchange information with Indigenous peoples and agencies in other countries to better understand their positions and strategies in multilateral forums and to assist the development and implementation of our own strategies | Primarily through the work of posts | As required | Australia’s performance in international forums regarding Indigenous issues |
More on the DFAT Reconciliation Action Plan
- Introduction
- Recruitment of Indigenous Australians
- Induction and Training
- Career Development
- Promotion of Workplace Diversity Plan and Cross-Cultural Awareness
- Enhancing and building on Public Diplomacy
- Consulting, working with and listening to Indigenous representatives, individuals and NGOs
Last updated 29 May, 2007