Victoria Police Aboriginal Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2029

Message from Chief Commissioner Mike Bush CNZM

As a New Zealander, I have long understood the profound strength a society gains when it honours the culture, language and enduring rights of its First Peoples. Here in Victoria, we stand at an important moment in our shared history. Victoria’s commitment to Treaty and self-determination invites every public institution, including Victoria Police, to reflect deeply on our past and play an active role in shaping a more just future.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees from across the state came together for our most recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Forum. Colleagues spoke with honesty about the cultural load they often carry, the expectations placed on them in community and policing. They voiced the need for workplaces where identity is not only respected but also protected. These conversations made clear that cultural safety is not an abstract principle, it is a responsibility we must embed in every part of our organisation.

The insights shared at the Forum and the commitment of the Dunguludja Yapaneyput Aboriginal Employee Network (DYAEN) and Council are the foundation of this Action Plan. It has been a privilege to work alongside our First Peoples employees in shaping a path forward that recognises truth, acknowledges harm, and centers the voices of those with lived experience.

Building strong relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues is essential to meaningful self-determination within Victoria Police. I offer my deep respect and gratitude to all past and present members. Their leadership and influence continue to guide us toward a safer and more inclusive workplace.

Mike Bush CNZM
Chief Commissioner
Victoria Police

Message from Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger

As Network Command Champion, it’s my privilege to support DYAEN in exercising self-determination and providing the lived experience, leadership and advice that have shaped this Inclusion Action Plan. I am committed to fostering shared ownership and accountability for the outcomes it sets out.

This Action Plan provides a foundation for moving towards self-determination and cultural safety in our organisation and in the services we provide to Aboriginal communities.

Working alongside the network has been both a privilege and a learning experience. I have seen firsthand the commitment and care invested in developing this plan and its priorities of culture and leadership.

The Aboriginal Employee Self-Determination Reform Working Group has brought together diverse voices and perspectives from across the organisation, ensuring this plan reflects the experiences and highest aspirations of our employees.

My vision is to see Victoria Police continue to learn from the past, acknowledge the harms that have occurred and build on the progress already made. By working in genuine partnership, with care and respect, we can create an environment where Aboriginal employees are empowered, heard and supported.

Our workforce is strengthened by its diversity and advancing self-determination gives each of us the opportunity to reflect, learn and contribute to a safer, more inclusive organisation and community.

Michael Grainger APM
Assistant Commissioner &
Dunguludja Yapeneyput Aboriginal Employee Network
Command Champion

Recognition of contribution

The artwork for the Action Plan was designed by Gary Saunders, a proud Bangerang, Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man.

The name ’Dunguludja Yapaneyput’, (Strong Together, Yorta Yorta language) was gifted to the Dunguludja Yapaneyput Aboriginal Employee Network (DYAEN) by Aunty Zeta Thomson, a proud Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta Woman.

Gary Saunders also created the artwork and logo used by DYAEN.