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When a client suggests a go-between they want
to use then it is usually wise to stick with the
client’s choice.
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Deciding who to speak to
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If you are new to a community, it will be vital
that you approach the leaders of the community
before seeking out anyone else.
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Leaders will give you authority in the
community.
You will need to avoid becoming dependent on
those people who are easiest to communicate
with.
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Avoid dependence on those who seem too ready
to reject old ways and accept the new. These
people are rarely the leaders.
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The powerful people in the community will
generally:
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• Not reveal their opinion until they have seen
what the position of others are;
• Make a final speech stating what they are
prepared to accept and when appropriate
make a call for action;
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• Remain silent if they think their views are
unlikely to be accepted. Their silence will be
noted by others in the community;
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Where possible have a number of go-betweens
you can use regularly. They will get a better
understanding of you and what your words
mean as they become familiar with you.
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When using a go-between with the client
present, it is ideal if you can have at least a basic
understanding of the conversation between the
go-between and the client.
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Families who have suffered where a family
member has died in custody will often use gobetweens to discuss matters relating to this
situation.
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• The business that the go-between is sent to
discuss is so sensitive that the Aboriginal
client cannot discuss it.
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• The person or community have sent someone to see you so that they can avoid
embarrassment or disagreement or refusal;
and
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Sometimes a client or community will send a
go-between to see you on their behalf. This can
be a very sensitive situation and can indicate a
number of things - including:
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• You are unsure of the customs of the
community.
Regional staff of the Department of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Policy and
Development may be available to accompany you
on a community visit.
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• You are unsure of the language; and
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• You are relatively unknown by the
community;
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At some time you will have to use a gobetween. This is if:
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protocols regarding consultation and negotiation continued
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4
28
D e p a r t m e n t o f A b o r i g i n a l and T o r r e s S t r a i t I s l a n d e r P o l i c y a n d D e v e l o p m e n t