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• Show that you are patient, as consultation
and negotiation in an Aboriginal manner
takes much longer than in the non-Aboriginal
world;
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• Demonstrate that you have their interests at
heart, by listening, and then repeating to
them the outcomes of the consultation/
negotiation process for them to acknowledge
that you got it right; and
• Ensure confidentiality if requested. Ensure
it only if you have the delegation to do so.
For example, some officers may work in a law
enforcement/judicial capacity and it may be
mandatory under an Act to disclose
information to a relevant authority to
investigate any serious allegations that may
arise from consultation/negotiation meetings.
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Overall, if a sense of identity, commitment and
honesty is not achieved then the community
may not continue discussions, or do so out of
courtesy but with no real interest.
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Language
Some important points to remember!
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• Don’t assume that your meaning will be clear
to everyone you talk to. People may not
understand you because:
• They have different meanings for the words
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• They don’t understand the words you use.
Ensure jargon or technical words are
minimised and if used they should be fully
explained;
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• Demonstrating that you understand and are
sensitive to the different communication
styles used, particularly the use of non-verbal
communication;
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• Respecting the political structures in the
community;
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• Demonstrating to the community an interest
in their way of seeing the world, and
accepting their culture;
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• Respecting the ways the community has for
organising discussions and formal meetings;
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You may need to emphasise the common
purpose or interests between Aboriginal people
and yourself and that you are not out to hinder
or interfere, but to assist. It is important to
emphasise this attitude and you can do this by:
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There are powerful images of past paternalistic
and harsh treatment and attitudes associated
with the Department of Families, Youth and
Community Care and the government generally.
With this being the case, it is important for you
to consider Aboriginal business as being the
most important in any discussion. Important
because of real and perceived “hurdles” coming
out of past dealings.
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Establishing a common purpose
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• Confirm all of the above in writing.
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• Advise any Department of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Policy and
Development and Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Commission or other relevant
Regional or Area Office of your visit; and
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
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