DEECA is committed to strengthening First Peoples cultural safety across its workforce.
This work supports our broader commitment to First Peoples self-determination through the First Peoples Self-Determination Reform Strategy Pupangarli Marnmarnepu, ensuring our systems, policies and everyday practices reflect First Peoples perspectives and support strong partnerships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians.
Our focus is on building a workforce that is culturally capable, respectful and responsive in how we work with First Peoples staff, communities and partners. We aim to be an organisation of choice and create a safe environment for all First Peoples employees.
Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework
DEECA’s Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework (ACCF) guides how we build cultural capability across the department.
Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework (ACCF) (PDF, 5.1 MB)
The framework outlines how we:
- create safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces for First Peoples staff
- strengthen leadership accountability and capability
- support the recruitment, development and retention of First Peoples employees
- embed cultural capability into policy, programs and service delivery
The ACCF recognises that improving cultural capability is an ongoing process. It supports staff to build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work effectively with Aboriginal people and communities and to contribute to better outcomes.
This work complements DEECA’s commitment to cultural safety by creating environments where First Peoples staff, partners and communities feel respected, heard and valued.
How we are delivering this work
The First Peoples Employment and Development Branch leads work across DEECA to strengthen cultural capability.
This includes:
- developing and delivering the ACCF Implementation Action Plan
- supporting leaders to embed cultural capability in decision making and governance
- building workforce capability through learning, development and guidance
- strengthening systems and processes to support culturally capable practices
- monitoring and evaluating progress to ensure accountability and continuous improvement
This work is informed by engagement with the Aboriginal Staff Network, DEECA executives and Traditional Owners.
What’s coming next
The ACCF is currently being refreshed to reflect staff feedback, evolving priorities and DEECA’s ongoing commitment to self-determination.
We are progressing a range of new and expanded initiatives, including:
- refreshed implementation priorities aligned to departmental strategies and commitments
- strengthened leadership capability and accountability measures
- expanded learning and development opportunities for staff
- enhanced support for First Peoples workforce including attraction, retention and career development
- improved monitoring, evaluation and reporting on cultural capability outcomes
- deeper alignment with DEECA’s First Peoples Self-Determination Strategy and First Peoples Workforce Strategy
We will share more information as this work progresses.
Contact us
For more information about this work, please contact the First Peoples Employment and Development Branch.
Page last updated: 16/07/26