Cultural capability guide

Learn how to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff across all stages of employment.

Learn how to make your workplace safe, inclusive and respectful for everyone. This guide explains how to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at each stage of their employment.

It aims to expand your knowledge about cultural capability and inclusivity across all stages of the employee lifecycle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public sector employees. Each stage provides practical guidance, insights and resources to help you shape an inclusive employee experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Download the full cultural capability guide (PDF 2.13MB)

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Cultural capability guide overview

Explainer video for the cultural capability guide.

Read transcript
Video transcript

Cultural capability guide overview

I think within the public sector we're really fortunate to have a lot of developmental opportunities available for our aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people. 
It's really important to make the work meaningful and always have lots of work out in front of us.
Best part of the job for me is I'm a big believer in that you if you can see it you can be it.
So my favorite part is I can act as a conduit. I can help community connect up with education, technology, empower mob from all levels to make a difference, and my ultimate aim, is to help make anyone that I come across, your tomorrow better than your yesterday.
Lot of mob are starting their careers or building their careers from different points and so having access to opportunities fosters a sense of loyalty to the work environment, but it also means that you're helping mob who otherwise might not have had the chance to take on those types of development opportunities.
If I can help someone come into government and really get a career and get you know, it's that security for family it's security for Mob.
We know that often times our people are supporting aunties, uncles, mums and dads, you know, we have multiple families in one house because that's how we live, it's a village. 
I think if we can support someone in the public sector to come in make that money and be able to support their family that's the best thing that we can do.

Support for Aboriginal staff

Understanding cultural capability

Learn what cultural capability means and why it matters in the workplace.

Attracting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers

Use inclusive job ads and recruitment strategies to encourage more Aboriginal people to apply.

Recruitment

Make hiring processes fair and inclusive and remove barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.

Onboarding

Support new staff with a respectful and inclusive welcome.

Career development and progression

Help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff build skills and advance in their careers.

Recognition and retention

Celebrate contributions and foster a workplace where Aboriginal staff thrive and grow.

Separation

End employment on respectful terms with cultural awareness.

Aboriginal Employment Strategy

This guide is a key initiative listed in our Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2022 – 2025 and follows the guiding principles of that strategy. Check out the strategy for further important initiatives and activities. 

Aboriginal Employment Strategy

More resources

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees may face unique challenges, including racism. Contact the following services for support: 

13YARN (Aboriginal Lifeline)

Free 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Call 13 92 76
13YARN

Link-Up NSW

NSW counselling service for Aboriginal people affected by past government policies. 
Call (02) 9421 4700 or 1800 624 332
Link -up NSW

Healing Foundation

National support service for Aboriginal people and communities affected by trauma.
Call 02 6272 7500
Healing foundation

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia

National mental health and wellbeing support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  
Call  (02) 5134 2100
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia

Beyond Blue

Mental health support and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  
Call 1300 224 636
Beyond Blue

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Free and confidential counselling service provided by employers. Contact HR for details.

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