Disability Services Commission Annual Report

4.6 Government Policy Requirements
Pilot Projects
In accordance with the government’s key strategy to implement substantive equality,
the Commission is undertaking a pilot project in one service area each year. The first
pilot project was undertaken in the Local Area Coordination (LAC) area of service
focussing on the Central North district centred at the Mirrabooka LAC office. A needs
and impact assessment of the Central North district was undertaken in 2007 which
included:
documentation of the demographic spread of CaLD and Aboriginal people in the
district;
a review of policies and procedures guiding LAC work;
exploration of the ways that staff make contact with and provide information and
services to these groups; and
the ways in which data is collected and used to inform service delivery.
In the first half of 2008, the Commission:
worked in partnership with the Substantive Equality Unit to consider
recommendations arising from the LAC needs and impact assessment and
developed strategies to address priority issues; and
commenced the second pilot project to undertake a needs and impact
assessment on the Commission’s Consumer Liaison Service.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
The Commission has developed an Aboriginal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Launched in June 2007, the RAP features a broad range of strategies including:
comprehensive cultural security training for non-Aboriginal staff;
active recruitment and support of Aboriginal staff;
the development of partnerships with Aboriginal organisations;
funding, training and supporting Family Support Associations in rural and
remote areas to provide culturally responsive services; and
the implementation of a pilot project where Aboriginal workers and non-
Aboriginal LACs are paired together to provide direct services in country areas.
Funded Agencies
The National Disability Service peak body, representing funded agencies, has been
funded to employ an Aboriginal project officer to continue implementation of the
‘Getting Services Right package for Aboriginal people and their families’ across the
disability sector. Cultural security training for agencies is a key feature of this work.
110 Disability Services Commission Annual Report 2007–2008