Aboriginal Employee Network
An authentic voice giving purpose to our work
The Tasmanian State Service Aboriginal Employee Network is an initiative of the Tasmanian State Service Aboriginal Employment Strategy, a whole-of-state service approach to improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal people in Tasmania. The network gives a voice, purpose and authenticity to the work initiated and progressed under strategy.
The network is built from a shared understanding and commitment to ensure Aboriginal knowledge, experience, values are respected and central to the work we undertake as a collective.
Role and function
- Contribute to, and support the development, implementation and progression of a range of initiatives and programs under the Tasmanian State Service Aboriginal Employment Strategy, ensuring work undertaken is collectively Aboriginal informed or Aboriginal led.
- Provide agencies, and more broadly the State Service, advice and guidance that is consistent, ethical and respectful, focusing on improving employment outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- Work together contributing to a range of cultural and professional initiatives, practices and learning opportunities as well as supporting each other, sharing and celebrating our collective work and achievements.
The network is not about:
- Grievances from individual members or agencies (members should follow the relevant agency grievance procedure if appropriate).
- Pursuit of personal, Aboriginal organisational or community political agendas.
- Initiating or involvement in behaviours or activities that undermine the integrity and credibility of other network members, the network or the State Service.
The Gathering
The annual Tasmanian State Service Aboriginal Employee Network Gathering (known as the Gathering) supports actions identified in the Aboriginal Employment Strategy by creating a supportive environment for Aboriginal employees to:
- share and celebrate their work
- engage in shared cultural experiences with others
- build relationships and networks across the State Service.
The Gathering is also an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their commitment to valuing Aboriginal employees, and ensuring Aboriginal employees have a voice that is heard, respected and included in the work we do.
Supporting Aboriginal employees to participate in the Gathering is one way agencies demonstrate a commitment to valuing Aboriginal employees. Supporting participation recognises the unique knowledge, skills and experiences Aboriginal employees bring to the workplace and contribute to building a workplace that is culturally respectful and inclusive.
Aboriginal employees are also encouraged to invite a non-Aboriginal colleague to join them at the Gathering and these guests support their Aboriginal colleagues by attending and helping to make each Gathering a success.
Terms of reference
Membership
Aboriginal people working in the State Service are eligible to be members of the Aboriginal Employee Network. Membership remains current while employed in the State Service and includes subscription to the Aboriginal Employment Newsletter.
The Senior Consultant, Aboriginal Employment Strategy, chairs the Aboriginal Employee Network.
New members are welcome and can request membership by emailing TSSAboriginalEmploymentStrategy@dpac.tas.gov.au
Member responsibilities
Engage in Aboriginal network business according to the following principles:
- Give respect: Listen, be conscious of the needs of others and different ways of working, show appreciation for the contributions and expertise of others. Respect is reciprocal and needs to be given and received.
- Be gentle: Give others the benefit of the doubt, approach conversations with kindness.
- To honour: Recognise and show appreciation for the lived experience and expertise of members and stakeholders.
Members are responsible for:
- Participating, contributing to, and supporting the development, implementation and progression of a range of initiatives and programs under the Tasmanian State Service Aboriginal Employment Strategy.
- Treating all members with respect and valuing difference to ensure equity among all members and cultural safety.
Confidentiality and accountability
Confidentiality
Discussions held within the AEN are kept confidential within the AEN. Outcomes from any discussions may be written in a minute and distributed to the network.
Accountability
The network is coordinated by the State Service Management Office within the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Individual members are also accountable to their workplace supervisor. For example, seeking relevant approval with your supervisor to attend network workshops or Gatherings and undertaking work associated with the network and Aboriginal Employment Strategy.
It is expected that all network members have a sound understanding of the Tasmanian State Service Aboriginal Employment Strategy, action plan and associated reports and documents.
Operations
The AEN will normally meet in person four times during a calendar year, generally between 10 am and 4 pm (times may vary). AEN workshops are held in March and September in Launceston, and June and November in Hobart. The November meeting in Hobart will be the end-of-year Gathering. A workshop agenda will be sent out to the AEN prior to each workshop. Action minutes will be sent to the AEN post each workshop.
Members' input, advice, guidance and contributions will be sought through AEN email list or the AEN Teams channel. Other meetings may be called for on an ad hoc basis.
Funding and authority
Funding
The Aboriginal Employee Network is funded by the Aboriginal Employment Strategy. Costs incurred by individual members to participate in AEN activities (such as travel and accommodation) are the responsibility of the member's agency.
Authority
The Aboriginal Employee Network does not have any delegated authority.