The Victoria Police Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Framework 2023–2030 and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2025 set the organisational goals, direction and vision for reform.
Key initiatives implemented under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2025 include:
- a review of Aboriginal applicant and attraction strategies
- development and pilot of an Aboriginal Employee Mentoring Program
- establishing an annual Aboriginal employee forum
- establishing a Self-Determination Reform Working Group to support self-determination reform across the organisation
- establishing a centralised Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO) coordination function.
First Peoples Mentoring Pilot Program
Victoria Police and DYAEN formed a partnership with the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC), and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industries and Regions (DJSIR). Yimburu Consulting was engaged to develop a culturally safe mentoring program to encourage career growth and leadership skills for Aboriginal employees.
The First Peoples Mentoring Pilot Program, funded through the Barring Djinang First Peoples Workforce Development Framework, aims to support the professional development, leadership capability and wellbeing of Aboriginal employees across the Victorian Public Sector.
The program provides a structured mentoring relationship that supports participants to:
- explore career pathways and leadership development
- strengthen confidence and professional networks
- reflect on workplace experiences and opportunities
- develop practical strategies to navigate systems and structures within the Victorian Public Sector.
Looking ahead, this partnership represents a shared, long-term commitment to strengthening the Victorian Public Sector through the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By continuing to work together, we are investing in culturally safe leadership pathways that honour lived experience, community connection and self-determination. This mentoring program is not just about individual development today, but about building a strong, supported pipeline of First Peoples leaders for the future. Together, we are laying foundations for sustainable change, deeper collaboration and a public sector where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees can thrive, lead and shape outcomes for generations to come.
Sue Hine PSM
Proud Tommeginne woman, North West Tasmania
Dunguludja Yapaneyput Aboriginal Employee Network
DYAEN was established to provide a culturally safe and supportive network and improve organisational awareness of the Aboriginal workforce. One of the key responsibilities of the network is to provide a structured forum for discussion.
The annual DYAEN forum is a supportive and consultative gathering to raise workplace issues in a culturally safe environment. It also provides the opportunity for Aboriginal employees to freely share their experiences and participate in professional development opportunities.
The forum has been held since 2022. DYAENC has been responsible for organising and running the forum with support from Our People since 2024.
Connection is the heart of this forum, it’s the hidden value you can’t see. Connection is a lot of things to Aboriginal people. Our mob comes from all over Australia, bringing different cultures, perspectives and ways of doing things. Yarning together about culture builds belonging and strengthens us as a collective. All the things we talk about in these forums: Treaty, Yoorrook, self-determination and cultural safety are solidified in this action plan. Hearing from Executive Sponsors and Command Champions about why their involvement in the Network matters to them personally is important. It shows Victoria Police’s commitment and supports our Network to thrive. When people feel supported to attend the forum, they return to their workplaces energised, connected and better equipped to do their jobs continuing strong work for mob and community.
Inspector Stephen Braithwaite
Proud Brayakaulung man, Gunai/Kurnai country in Gippsland
Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training
Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training (ACAT) is mandatory for all Victoria Police employees. This addresses the Chief Commissioner’s Statement of Commitment (SoC) Actions 23, 24, 25 and 26 that resulted from his appearance at the Yoorrook Justice Commission hearing in May 2023. ACAT has previously been delivered through the Priority and Safer Communities Division in a face-to-face environment.
This will transition to an online training module with the introduction of ACAT2 from 30 June 2026. Foundation ACAT will continue to be delivered face-to face to recruits during their training at the Police Academy.
Embedding ACAT across the organisation strengthens Victoria Police’s capacity to deliver culturally informed, respectful and appropriate service responses to the Victorian Aboriginal community. The training also supports staff to reflect on their own assumptions and practices and apply learnings in meaningful and practical ways within their roles. This contributes to improved engagement, trust and outcomes for Aboriginal peoples accessing our services.
ACAT has been reviewed and updated to ensure it reflects contemporary Victorian Aboriginal community issues, priorities and perspectives, including Statewide Treaty and Yoorrook Justice Commission. Enhancements to the training content and delivery as an online module ensures the program continues to meet organisational needs while aligning with best practice learnings.
I am a proud Bidjara woman from South-West Queensland, from a small outback town Augathella. I have lived and worked on Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country for most of my life. As the Senior Aboriginal Specialist Educator, I have been delivering Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training (ACAT) to Police Recruits, Protective Services Officers, and Police Custody Officers at the Police Academy, for the past two years. Delivery of ACAT supports recruits develop Cultural Awareness, respect and practical skills needed to proactively engage with the Aboriginal community. Victoria Police acknowledges community engagement plays a vital role in making a meaningful difference in the community and supports this through culturally informed practices and respectful engagement. I am committed to making a positive contribution supporting the organisation’s commitments to the Aboriginal Reform Agenda and ‘A Safe Victoria’, which sets out Community First priorities and outcomes to achieve together in delivering proactive policing services to the Aboriginal community.
Selina Grizos
Proud Bidjara woman
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