• What is the relationship between those you
wish to consult and other members of the
community (eg the Community Council, or
community elders)?
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representatives (Council), or another
community group, or individual?
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• Are all the major leadership groups going to
be represented or consulted (eg Councillor,
Elders, or Church leaders.
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• Do you know the nature and origin of the
issue or problem - is there a history or
background to why you need to consult/
negotiate?
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Community Visits
• Try to second and third guess possible
questions or contentious issues beforehand,
and work through possible solutions or
options for handling those issues;
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• Staff must have a clear understanding of their
role and the purpose of the consultation.
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• If other agencies are involved ensure that
they are aware of any visit and what you will
be consulting on. Perhaps a representative
from that agency might wish to attend the
meeting as well;
• What information can you share as a part of
the consultation process?
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• Remember those being consulted may not
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• Are they a part of the formal elected
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• What positions do the people hold?
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• Whose business is it, according to local
culture? Who are the appropriate people/
organisations to contact? What is the
appropriate way to contact them?
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• Who are the Aboriginal people you wish to
consult?
• Does the topic cover one or more agencies’
jurisdiction (eg is ATSIC Regional Council
involved, or another government
department)?
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When planning a visit to a community or group
consider the following points:
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4.1
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• Community meetings: this covers formal
meetings.
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• Community visits: this covers talking with
individual people, community groups, and
formal community organisations.
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The practical steps to take in preparing for, and
undertaking consultation and negotiation, will
be discussed under the following headings for
ease of discussion:
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The need for maximum participation and
representation is heightened by the diversity in
lifestyles between Aboriginal groups, and
between Aboriginal people and Torres Strait
Islander peoples. In addition, consideration
must be given to whether clients live in urban,
rural or remote settings.
23
Pr o t o c o l s f o r Co n s u l t a t i o n a n d Ne g o t i a t i o n w i t h Ab o r i g i n a l Pe o p l e