Voice Referendum outcome - guidance and support (23 Oct 2023)

Dear Colleagues,

On 17 October, Jenny Gale wrote to you to acknowledge that the Tasmanian State Service will be respecting the call from Aboriginal employees and Aboriginal people across the Country for a week of silence, in relation to the outcome of the Voice Referendum.

As Acting Head of the State Service, I acknowledge and recognise that State Service employees, in particular Aboriginal colleagues may find parts of the public commentary and debate distressing. There is no doubt there will be implications for us as a community.

Following Jenny’s message last week, I wanted to follow this with a message of guidance and support to all State Service employees. It is critically important to me that we support and engage in safe, constructive, and respectful conversations in our workplaces. We each have an important role to play to maintain our apolitical roles as State Service employees, and ensure our workplaces are culturally safe and respectful. This includes not culturally overloading Aboriginal employees by seeking information on the outcome of the Referendum.

Our commitment

The Tasmanian State Service strives to be a respectful, culturally sensitive, rewarding and a professional workplace for all members of its workforce.

We all have a duty of care to uphold the Tasmanian State Service Principles, to be professional in our work and be respectful in the conversations we participate in. We have a right to be treated with respect and without harassment, bullying, victimisation or discrimination in our workplaces as outlined in the State Service Code of Conduct. Racism of any kind will not be tolerated and is against both Federal and State Discrimination law.

Maintaining apolitical workplaces across the Tasmanian State Service

The Tasmanian State Service is entrusted to remain apolitical and continue to perform its functions in an impartial, ethical and professional manner. Therefore, it is not appropriate for any Tasmanian State Service employee to use Tasmanian Government resources, including information technology, to advertise and/or promote information or content related to the Referendum outcome.

Please refer to your agency’s ICT and Social Media Policy for further direction and advice.

Guidance and support

I am sure you will agree with me that this is an opportune time for us to re-familiarise ourselves with our employment obligations as well as our legal responsibilities under State and Federal Discrimination Law.

Members of the TSS Aboriginal Employee Network are reminded they can seek support through the Network. To discuss this further please contact Louise at louise.adams@dpac.tas.gov.au

To ensure we do not culturally overload our Aboriginal colleagues by asking questions or seeking information on the outcome of the Referendum you could refer to Recognition through a Voice (Australian Government).

If you have any questions, please have a discussion with your manager or an HR Officer in your agency. You may wish to contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support and guidance. Please check your agencies intranet page for your provider.

I thank you for your support and your commitment to ensure we all work in a safe, respectful and rewarding workplace.

Best wishes

Craig Limkin
Acting Head of the State Service
23 Oct 2023