AFP Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-24

AFP Commissioner's Foreword

I am pleased to present the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Reconciliation Action Plan 2022–2024 (RAP), affirming our continued commitment to reconciliation in Australia. The RAP details two clear priorities for the AFP as we progress our reconciliation journey.

1. Ongoing workforce support for appointees in their reconciliation journey and recognition of the unique and valuable contributions made by our First Nations members.
2. Increased positive community engagement with enhanced delivery of culturally competent policing to First Nations people and communities.

As Australia’s national policing agency, the footprints of our members walk alongside First Nations people and are spread across many Traditional Countries, and beyond. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians who safeguard the longest surviving culture in the world, and we pay our respects to their Elders; past, present, and emerging.

We acknowledge law enforcement’s history in delivering agendas which have caused pain and inflicted trauma for many First Nations people. In the spirit of reconciliation, we commit to truth telling and courageous conversations, to learn from our shared history, and dedicate ourselves to a better future for all Australians. It is incumbent on us all to apply a concerted effort to rectify past and current injustices, participating in the RAP program is just one way of walking a positive journey of reconciliation with our First Nations people.

As a personal commitment, I have established the AFP’s First Nations Unit to support full and unhindered First Nations participation in our workforce, and to inform the provision of culturally competent policing services to the Australian community. Through the Unit, we will ensure that First Nations voices are represented amongst the decision makers, contributing to better outcomes for all First Nations people and communities. I acknowledge the Unit’s contribution to the development of this RAP.

I strongly encourage all AFP appointees to actively participate in delivering the intended goals of the AFP’s new Reconciliation Action Plan 2022–2024.

Reece P Kershaw APM
AFP Commissioner

ACT Chief-Police Officer's Message

ACT Policing is the primary community policing arm of the AFP. It provides a police service in partnership with the ACT Government to the diverse community of Canberra which proudly includes the Traditional Custodians of the land encompassing the Canberra region, the Ngunnawal people. I welcome the AFP’s new Reconciliation Action Plan 2022–2024 and I am eager to support the plan in full. Its contents are a testament to the AFP’s hopes and vision for genuine and meaningful national reconciliation.

Reconciliation seeks to recognise and acknowledge past failures and work towards an inclusive and equitable future for Australia. The RAP motivates all of us to create positive and healthy interactions with First Nations people and communities and to fostering meaningful relationships into the future.

The ACT Policing workforce is made up of dedicated and thoughtful individuals that endeavour to further their understanding and respect of First Nations people, cultures, and communities. I have full faith we will make significant progress towards achieving reconciliation throughout the course of our latest RAP.

Since 1998, ACT Policing has benefited from the contributions of specialist staff whose sole purpose is to strengthen trusting working relationships between police and the First Nations community within the ACT, and we remain committed to ensure our Aboriginal Liaison Officers continue this vital work.

I urge all members of ACT Policing to commit to the extremely worthy and attainable goals of the RAP.

Neil Gaughan APM, Deputy Commissioner
Chief Police Officer for the ACT

The First Nations Champions Message

The AFP has maintained a volunteer Aboriginal and Torres Strait employee network since 1995, the Malunggang Indigenous Officers’ Network (MION). First Nations inclusion in our organisation’s history is an ongoing story we are increasingly proud of, and we remain committed to the future of MION.

Serving as the First Nations Champion is a rewarding career highlight, and an important role the AFP takes seriously. It has provided continued opportunity to respect and appreciate our First Nations members and their diverse cultures. It presents opportunities to learn and witness the strength and resilience of Australia’s First Nations people, particularly those who are represented in the AFP’s workforce and those we work closely with in the communities that we serve.

The AFP supports the view that more Australians should be prouder and more actively engaged with First Nations people. Collectively, all Australians share a history that spans more than 60,000 years, with our First Nations people being the oldest living culture in the world.

While the AFP is fortunate to retain First Nations staff in almost every one of our locations across Australia, we can do better. We are working to ensure our First Nations staff are provided the tools to develop and succeed in their career aspirations. In our continued efforts, Commissioner Kershaw has put in place two further initiatives towards this goal: the implementation of the AFP First Nations Unit and has increased the AFP’s First Nations employment targets to reflect those represented in the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020–2024.

Overall responsibility for delivering the actions contained in this RAP is assigned to members of our Senior Executive. However, all AFP staff should take ownership of this RAP in order to positively contribute to national reconciliation.

Krissy Barrett, Assistant Commissioner
AFP First Nations Champion

Peter Crozier, Assistant Commissioner
AFP First Nations co-Champion

Our Vision

Our vision for reconciliation is where First Nations people experience equality and equity in the workplace and within the community. Where First Nations people are free from negative race relations, and where acknowledgement of our history is shared by all Australians through positive relationships.

The AFP’s approach to reconciliation will continue to promote our journey to cultural competence through existing initiatives as well as the development of new strategies.

Reconciliation in the AFP is about fostering a safe and respectful working environment for First Nations appointees while acknowledging, and playing our part, in closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

This RAP, as with our previous plan, will support the AFP’s commitment to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce and our overall commitment to reconciliation and First Nations people.

As an organisation we commit to:

• Increasing our representation of First Nations people in the workforce
• Supporting developmental opportunities for First Nations appointees to enhance careers
• Elevate First Nations voices as part of AFP decision making
• Proactively embedding cultural awareness within the workplace
• Proactively building relationships and partnerships that support reconciliation.

Our Business

We are Australia’s principal federal law enforcement agency and a member of Australia’s national intelligence community. We are responsible for protecting Australians and Australia’s interests both at home and overseas. Our distinct position allows us to positively influence and impact reconciliation in a significant and lasting way.

Our 7,000+ employees are skilled and dedicated professionals who are committed to serving the Australian community by providing exceptional law enforcement services. The AFP is responsible for contributing to five strategies: Community Policing Services, Specialist Protective Services, National and International Policing and Investigations, Corporate Services, and Specialist Support.

We support and enable our people to deliver maximum impact to the criminal environment by:

• Reducing red tape
• Supporting the frontline
• Enhancing partnerships

First Nations Targets

The AFP is working towards the introduction of practical initiatives that align with the following workforce representation targets set out in the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020-2024

• AFP Band 3–5: 5 per cent by the end of 2022.
• AFP Band 6–9: 5 per cent by the end of 2024.
• SES: 3 per cent by end 2024.
• 3 per cent of staff at each Band level to identify as First Nations across the Attorney-General’s portfolio by the end of 2024.

Through dedicated efforts and taking a culturally competent approach to recruitment, we continue to grow our First Nations representation – in both numbers and

Our Reconciliation Action Plan 

The AFP joined Reconciliation Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan program by implementing its first RAP in 2007. A decade later, we re-joined the program with the introduction of the AFP Innovate RAP 2018–2020. 

Over time there has been several Government initiatives the AFP has participated in, including the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028; the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020—2024; and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Agreement Partnership. 

The renewed RAP for 2022–2024 provides a framework for the AFP to support the national reconciliation movement, including practical actions towards reconciliation both within the AFP and with the communities we serve. 

Some examples of our external partnerships include ACT Policing’s collaboration with the ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate and the Aboriginal Legal Service. These relationships increase positive engagement and support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community including initiatives such as the Front Up Program, to assist in reducing the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. 

In response to the Ombudsman’s Own Review, ACT Policing established a working group to implement it’s nine recommendations. One action from the review consisted of developing an engagement and consultation strategy to manage relationships with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. 

To ensure this work can be effectively managed in a safe and robust capacity, members of the working group are sourced from various areas within ACT Policing. The working group consists of ACT Policing’s Aboriginal Liaison Officers, unsworn staff and police officers from First Nations and non-First Nations backgrounds. 

Our RAP encourages positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies, such as implementing the ANZPAA Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Principles, that will educate our senior leaders on the effects of racism to improve the quality of community engagement and cultural competency. The AFP strives to continue building on positive relationships to support the delivery of effective outcomes to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT. 

We acknowledge members of our internal First Nations Network the Malunggang Indigenous Officers Network (MION), the RAP Working Group, the RAP Advisory Board and ACT Policing for their contributions to the development of this RAP. 

The AFP affirms its commitment to the intention, actions, and outcomes of the RAP, and our workforce, to the community and other partners, by publishing updates on how the AFP is progressing on its reconciliation journey.

Achievements

In 2021 the AFP established its First Nations Unit to progress and enhance the AFP’s reconciliation efforts. The First Nations Unit focusses on establishing sustainable partnerships that are innovative and adaptable to future changes in the AFP’s operational and political environment. 

The successful completion of the 2018–2020 Innovate RAP displays the AFP’s dedication to a reconciled future in Australia. This achievement further outlines the organisation’s commitment to initiatives that promote national reconciliation, through employment, policing, cultural awareness and community engagement. 

Along with a First Nations Champions at the SES 2 Assistant Commissioner level, an additional Assistant Commissioner was appointed as First Nations co-Champion to support the delivery of AFP First Nations initiatives. 

ACT Policing continue to be actively engaged with the ACT’s First Nations community. This includes involvement in the Warrumbul and Galambany Courts to divert young offenders away from the Criminal Justice System. 

All members are committed to strengthening policy, practices, and procedures when delivering initiatives with a First Nations focus. This includes the development of a targeted communication and engagement strategy to enhance the relationship with the First Nations community in the ACT.

Ben Blakeney Memorial Award

This annual AFP award is usually conferred during our NAIDOC Week celebrations, and exists in memoriam to soldier, Commonwealth Police Officer (precurser to the AFP), and actor, Lavanda “Ben” Gordon Blakeney OAM.

Recipients are not limited to First Nations appointees. It is awarded to the person who, in the preceding 12 months, has demonstrated commitment and drive to First Nations initiatives in supporting the ideals of:

• strengthening partnerships
• promoting equity and inclusion
• raising awareness of First Nations issues
• promoting personal and professional
• development, and career advancement for appointees.

Past recipients of this Award are listed below:

2021
Detective Sergeant Grace Calma
and Detective Sergeant Stephen Raper (jointly awarded)

2020
Inspector Joshua Sinclair-Wadham

2019
Senior Constable Lisa Siebert and Senior Constable Bradley Wallace (jointly awarded)

2018
Anthony Bean

2017
Vanessa Macauley

2016
Leading Senior Constable Dean Saddler

2015
Alexandra McHugh

2014
Bryan Waddell

2006–2013
Not awarded

2005
Detective Sergeant Russell Brown

Relationships

As a law enforcement agency, the AFP focuses on connection to community and meeting their needs and expectations. We do this through leadership actions, which consistently demonstrate and share our vision and values. Strong relationships between First Nations people, and all Australians is important to ensure our communities trust and recognise the legitimacy of our role and purpose, which enables us to uphold laws and community standards.

ACT Policing understands that community engagement provides the opportunity to learn about diverse views, insights and issues within the First Nations community. We are committed to working with our stakeholders and the community to ensure effective outcomes are delivered to the First Nations community in the ACT including interactions and outcomes that will encourage and facilitate a positive and respectful relationship.

Action: Establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations stakeholders and organisations

Action: Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW)

Action: Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence

Action: Promote positive race relations through anti- discrimination strategies

Action: Build meaningful internal relationships to support better outcomes with a First Nations focus

Action: Continue to develop and implement intervention and engagement strategies with the First Nations community

Action: Continue to work with the ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate and the Aboriginal Legal Service

Action: Contribute to interagency forums and leadership groups on addressing First Nations matters

Respect

Through respect, build a diverse AFP that acknowledges and celebrates Australia’s rich history. This enables us to nurture an environment where our staff take pride in, and celebrate, First Nations people, cultures and histories, leading to a more informed and responsive workforce.

Action: Increase understanding, value and recognition of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning

Action: Demonstrate respect to First Nations people by observing cultural protocols

Action: Build respect for First Nations cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week

Action: Embed effective recognition and support for First Nations members at the AFP

Opportunities

The development of effective recruitment, retention and career progression strategies to create pathways for First Nations people will better support the AFP in stimulating representation in law enforcement. These pathways will increase the capabilities of employees and the representation at senior levels, and enhance the AFP’s cultural capability in First Nations communities and matters. The process to engage First Nations suppliers is firmly embedded into the AFP’s procurement and contracting policies expanding the range of Indigenous employment opportunities to First Nations people.

ACT Policing understands that community engagement provides the opportunity to learn about diverse views, insights and issues within the First Nations community. We are committed to working with our stakeholders and the community to ensure that effective outcomes are delivered to the First Nations community in the ACT including interactions and outcomes that will encourage and facilitate a positive and respectful relationship.

Action: Improve employment outcomes by increasing First Nations recruitment, retention and professional development

Action: Increase First Nations supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes

Action: Promote AFP’s commitment to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028

Action: Improve relationships between ACT policing and the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by implementing recommendations contained in the Ombudsman’s Own Review

Governance

We will monitor our RAP to identify, improve and report relevant data, including our achievements, challenges, and new learnings. We will do this by tracking the progress of our actions, and regularly reviewing and updating consultation processes.

Action: Establish and maintain an effective First Nations Advisory Board (FNAB) to drive governance of the RAP and all other First Nations focussed initiatives for the AFP

Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments

Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally

Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP

Contact Officer

Name: Australian Federal Police

Position: First Nations Unit

Phone: 02 51269698

Email: FirstNationsUnit@afp.gov.au

Publication Artwork

About the Artist

My name is Stephen Raper and I am a Turrbal man from Brisbane. My family heritage spans to the Bigambul people from the Northern Tablelands and Border Rivers region of New South Wales as well as Queensland; and more specifically Rossmore Station, Flinton, between Westmar and St George.

I started to paint in 2018 after a colleague saw something I drew on a notebook and said I should try. On Father’s Day that year I received a gift of artist paints and canvas from my wife and children. This is when I began to put my culture on canvas.

I have been a police officer since 1997, joining the Northern Territory Police, working in Tennant Creek, the surrounding remote Aboriginal communities and also Darwin. I joined the AFP in 2002, working in a number of commands and I am currently a Detective Sergeant, working as the Counter Terrorism Liaison Officer based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

I credit my time working with the Northern Territory Police in remote communities for my dot style paintings. My main influence is from the Warumungu people of the Barkly region where I started my career as a Constable. I used to sit and watch the amazing local artists paint in the community. I always loved the stories behind the art and I now paint from my own experiences. I use the pseudonym ‘Stephen Rush’ for my art to acknowledge my great, great grandmother, Jane Rush, who was a First Nations woman from the Bigambul people.

In 2021, I was awarded an Australia Day Achievement Medallion, in recognition of my commitment in supporting the AFP’s frontline to build stronger partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and I was also jointly awarded the Ben Blakeney Memorial Award for strengthening partnerships by promoting equity and inclusion among First Nations police members involved in the Police Rugby League community as well as for mentoring our First Nations police recruits.

The artwork used in this Reconciliation Action Plan I painted as recognition to the AFP Malunggang Indigenous Officers Network (MION) and our former Champion, Assistant Commissioner Scott Lee.