Wanthiwa | Hello in Yindjibarndi
Message from the Chief Executive Officer, Jody Broun
Now more than ever, the NIAA is driven to achieve impactful and sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Corporate Plan sets out how we will do this over the next 4 years. It shapes how we engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to embed their voices into our work. It guides how we lead and influence change across government so First Nations peoples have a say in the decisions that affect them.
Working together with First Nations communities, organisations and other stakeholders will deliver real progress under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The NIAA is changing the way we work. In line with Closing the Gap Priority Reforms, we are shifting towards a more localised approach, where members of community have a say in the programs and services delivered. We have staff in 50 locations across Australia, which means that we can maintain strong relationships with First Nations communities and respond to their needs and priorities.
An example of the shared decision-making model is the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program – a priority for our agency. The RJED program is a significant step towards replacing the Community Development Program. It will support people in remote Australia to move into meaningful jobs that their community wants and needs.
We’re working with First Nations peoples and using job trials to inform the design of the program and to implement it.
In 2024–25, we’ll also be working with others to support communities to access safe and suitable housing. We’re partnering with the Northern Territory Government, land councils, Aboriginal Housing NT, and other stakeholders to improve housing, reduce overcrowding, and plan for future housing needs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations are involved in implementing the housing initiatives.
Local decision-making also underpins our approach to implementing the Commonwealth’s plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia (Central Australia Plan). The plan aims to improve community safety in Alice Springs and Central Australia by creating jobs, providing better services, and supporting on-Country learning. The plan has also a strong focus on investing in families and improving health outcomes. Working with the Central Australia Plan Aboriginal Leadership Group to ensure community voices are heard has been an important feature of this multi-year project.
To inform our priorities, we’ll be focusing on improving our data, evidence and processes. Robust data supports us to identify the programs that are delivering for community and those that need more support to create change on the ground.
We are also working to ensure First Nations peoples have a greater say in how their data is collected, stored, used and governed within the Australian Public Service (APS). Our recently published Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data supports the principles of Indigenous data sovereignty.
Integrity is a core element in all the NIAA does. We have a strong focus on strengthening our integrity culture, systems and processes to increase trust and build stronger partnerships that contribute to improved outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Reconciliation remains a priority for our agency. Over the next 4 years, we will continue to support the healing process for survivors of the Stolen Generations and their families through the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme. The scheme has received more than 1,600 applications to date. At 30 June 2024, 916 applicants have been paid over $74.9 million, and 791 requests for Personal Acknowledgements have been received.
Our commitment to reconciliation and transforming government is demonstrated through our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2022–2025 (RAP). At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
The commitment and dedication of our staff makes me proud to be leading such a resilient and passionate agency. I look forward to continuing to support and drive positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the coming year.
As the Accountable Authority of the NIAA, I am pleased to present the NIAA Corporate Plan 2024–25. It covers 2024–25 to 2027–28, as required under paragraph 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
Jody Broun
Chief Executive Officer
National Indigenous Australians Agency
August 2024