Embedding of Aboriginal self determination in Service Agreements with community service providers

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) developed a new 4-year Service Agreement that commenced on 1 July 2024. DFFH developed the Service Agreement in consultation with a working group comprised of Victorian Government departments, mainstream Community Services Organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. It was identified that for community services funded by the Victorian Government, the Service Agreement is a key enabler of Aboriginal self-determination and cultural safety for Aboriginal service users and staff within funded organisations. The working group identified opportunities to embed Aboriginal self-determination within the Service Agreement. The new Service Agreement includes:

• a statement expressing the commitment of Victorian Government departments and funded organisations to self-determination for Aboriginal people
• acknowledgement of the decades that Aboriginal Victorians have fought for self-determination and their right to make decisions on matters that affect their lives and communities
• reference to the systems and structures which enable Aboriginal decision-making, leadership and service, acknowledging that terms and conditions of the Service Agreement provide an opportunity to embed Aboriginal self-determination within community services
• a definition of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) and provisions for use of ICIP.