Engaging Queenslanders: introduction to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Summary

The purpose of Engaging Queenslanders: Introduction to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is to improve engagement between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have limited trust or confidence in government engagement processes due to past government practices and policies. This resource supports the Queensland Governments ongoing commitment to reconciliation and is designed to enhance existing tools and guidelines for engagement.

Importantly, it highlights the responsibility of all public officials in building reciprocal relationships and respecting the individual needs and aspirations of communities. It also emphasises the importance of public officials operating in coordination to avoid duplication and waste, and to improve pathways through complex government systems.

Contents

• Foreword
• The purpose of this resource
• Setting the context
• Engaging with communities
• Respecting the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Planning an engagement activity
• Visiting a remote community
• Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in urban communities
• Community engagement techniques
• Providing feedback and evaluating engagement
• Building engagement capacity
• Key contacts
• Checklists
• References and further resources