AASW launches Reconciliation Action Plan, in the lead up to International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

The Australian Association of Social Workers has today launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan July 2020-June 2022, which is an Innovate Plan. 

It also comes in the lead up to the UN’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples which is on Sunday, 9 August. 2020’s theme is COVID-19 and Indigenous People’s Resilience. 

AASW’s Reconciliation Action Plan describes the steps the Association can and will take to create opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Social Workers. 

AASW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative Board Director Linda Ford said, “Our new plan prioritises our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Social Workers and is about taking actions and defining how we work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in our communities. 

“With this plan and alongside our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander colleagues, we will strive to be the best possible allies, by actively listening, by decolonising the way we work, by working in partnership and by making sure Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander colleagues and members of our communities shape our work.”

Ms Ford said that building authentic relationships requires accepting the truth and understanding.

She said, “We also know that to build authentic partnerships requires truth-telling and real understanding. Acknowledging the black history of our country, the historical role of Social Work and the current status of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in our community is essential in building partnerships that are grounded in truth.

“I want to commend my fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters and all they have done during COVID-19, their resilience and their determination to defend their communities and keep them safe.  As this year’s theme for Reconciliation was, we are truly IN THIS TOGETHER.”

You can review the AASW Reconciliation Action Plan July 2020-June 2022.

You can review the AASW’s webpage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander actions to date, including our 2004 Acknowledgement Statement.

ENDS

About Reconciliation Actions Plans

There are four types of Reconciliation Action Plans endorsed by Reconciliation Australia: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate.

To interview Linda Ford, please contact Ellie Cooper on 0413 532 954.