This information is for government executives who would like to nominate themselves to have a role with the Scheme. If you are an applicant or potential applicant who would like to know more about the role they play in your redress, you can read more on the Personal Acknowledgement page.
Contributing to the Scheme as a senior government person
Each Personal Acknowledgement to a Stolen Generations survivor is delivered by a senior government person (also sometimes known as a senior government representative). They are senior executives from across Commonwealth organisations who have nominated themselves to participate. A senior government person will be an SES Band 1 and above, or equivalent.
If you are a senior executive from a Commonwealth organisation, you can express your interest in this role by emailing help@territoriesredress.gov.au
Role and responsibilities
A senior government person is expected to display empathy and be of significant seniority in the public service. You will represent the Commonwealth Government, speak with authority, and be able to influence organisation cultural change through policy and decision making.
Every Personal Acknowledgement will be unique and guided by the wishes of the survivor, but typically the role of a senior government person includes:
- listening deeply to the survivor’s recount of experiences and the impact on them
- engaging with high empathy and authority, and
- acknowledging and responding in a meaningful way.
Outcomes of contributing
Participation in the Personal Acknowledgement process can be immensely meaningful for the senior government person involved. You can gain a deeper understanding of the Stolen Generations, as well as greater insight into:
- the impact of removal on Stolen Generations survivors and their communities
- ongoing impacts of intergenerational trauma and the importance of healing and truth-telling, and
- the significance of observing the impact of policies in practice.
After participating as a senior government person, we expect you will develop new insights and knowledge to apply to government policy. This can support the Government’s Closing the Gap priorities – in particular, Priority Reform Three – Transforming Government Organisations.
The process
After you have expressed your interest via email, you will need to:
- complete an intake form that outlines your skills, experience and motivation for participating, and
- attend a half-day training session to learn more about the Scheme and the role.
If you decide to continue, you will be supported by Scheme staff and experts in restorative engagement.
The allocation of a senior government person to a Personal Acknowledgement will depend on their availability and the preferences of the survivor.
Interested?
If you are a senior executive from a Commonwealth organisation and would like to know more, email help@territoriesredress.gov.au