Literature review of approaches to Aboriginal Affairs policies & case study of development & implementation

Policy development relating to Aboriginal people in NSW has undergone significant and fundamental changes in approach in the last thirty to forty years. During 2012 and 2013, the NSW Government developed a new Aboriginal affairs policy. The policy, known as OCHRE, was developed within a framework of co-production between the Government and Aboriginal communities that included over 2,700 Aboriginal people in NSW.

So as to fully understand the successes and challenges in developing the OCHRE policy, and its subsequent implementation, the McKell Institute were commissioned in 2017 to conduct a process evaluation. The study points to the importance and complexities of genuine co-design with Aboriginal people. Findings suggest that success requires attention to timeframes, workforce, leadership, maintaining buy-in over time, accountability, and working within Aboriginal communities ways of knowing and doing. The report concludes that while other jurisdictions have attempted co-design “OCHRE stands alone in its scale and ambition”.

The case study is complemented by a literature review. Assessing the approach used in government policy development in Aboriginal affairs in NSW over the last 30-40 years the review highlights the major initiatives and structure of Aboriginal affairs policy in the state in modern times, and notes the unique nature of OCHRE in contrast to earlier policy development approaches.

Download the review below.