The Aboriginal Empowerment Initiative (AEI) is our department’s response to the WA Government’s Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy 2021–2029, which outlines how government will direct its efforts towards a future in which all Aboriginal people, families and communities are empowered to live good lives and choose their own futures from a secure foundation.
Building on existing programs, the AEI will be delivered through four elements reflected in the WA State Government’s Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy:
Partnerships, shared decision-making and engagement
The Aboriginal Empowerment Unit (AEU) will roll out formal channels for Aboriginal people to have their say on matters that affect their Country.
One of these channels is through the Regional Aboriginal Engagement team, who are available to meet, listen, provide information and collect feedback. Officers are located in the South West, Goldfields, Mid West and Pilbara regions. Visit the Community page for contact details.
Reshaping government services and systems to work with culture
The AEU is working with areas across the department to assess and re-evaluate current policies, procedures and practices to ensure they are culturally appropriate and accessible for Aboriginal people.
Building the cultural responsiveness of the public sector workforce
The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) is committed to maintaining a workplace where Aboriginal employees feel connected, safe and empowered.
The department actively creates opportunities for Aboriginal people and educates staff while providing staff with a variety of ways to increase their diversity and inclusion understanding.
The AEU is working with DEMIRS officers travelling and working on Country, to understand their cultural capability, and to provide them access to resources, empowering department staff to have the competence to work and consult confidently and respectfully with Aboriginal people.
Expanding economic opportunities
The AEU aims to support and encourage greater procurement of Aboriginal goods and services by providing guidance and resources for the department's staff and Aboriginal owned businesses.