Working in genuine partnership with First Nations people

Australian governments have committed to building and strengthening structures that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share decision-making authority with governments to accelerate policy and place-based progress against Closing the Gap. Partnerships with First Nations peoples are at the heart of priority reforms in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has released the First Nations Partnership Playbook. This new resource guides public servants to build strong and enduring partnerships with First Nations peoples, communities and organisations.

The Playbook is the first step toward consistent partnership skills and practices throughout the Australian Public Service. It highlights elements to strong partnerships, the functions of government as a partner and a shift from transactional to relational ways of working. At its core, it is about trust, understanding of history, openness and sustainable long-term relationships.

The Playbook is part of broader efforts to grow public service capability to engage and partner with First Nations people to deliver better outcomes.

Download the First Nations Partnership Playbook.

The APSC fosters a public service that engages and partners with people, communities and business. For more information, see the: Charter of Partnerships and Engagement.

For more information: Working in genuine partnership with First Nations people | Australian Public Service Commission