Office of the Public AdvocateReconciliation statement
OPA’s vision is of a just and inclusive society that values, respects, protects and promotes the dignity and human rights of all people. Our mission is to uphold the rights and interests of people with disability and work to eliminate abuse, neglect and exploitation.
OPA acknowledges Victoria’s Aboriginal communities and their rich culture. We pay our respects to their ancestors, elders and communities, who are the custodians of the land on which we work. OPA acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with whom we work and for whom we provide a service.
OPA recognises the importance of family and kinship networks for Aboriginal people. We acknowledge the impact of colonisation on family and kinship networks and the continued fragmentation that this entails. In undertaking our roles as advocate and as adult guardian of last resort for people with disability, in our provision of advice and education and in the operation of our volunteer programs that promote and protect the rights of people with disability, OPA respects kinship ties within Aboriginal communities.
We commit to developing a better understanding of the diverse experiences, priorities and needs of Aboriginal people with disability, their families and carers.
OPA recognises the importance of connection to country for Aboriginal people and their continuing spiritual connection to land. We acknowledge the impact of colonisation and dispossession of land that has contributed to Aboriginal people experiencing disadvantage across all measures of wellbeing. OPA commits to providing a welcoming, culturally responsive service that responds to the needs of Aboriginal people with disability, their families and carers. We commit to developing relationships with Aboriginal-controlled organisations with a view to making our services more responsive and sensitive to the needs of Aboriginal peoples.
This vision of reconciliation will be achieved through a plan of action. The plan is monitored by the OPA Koori Inclusion Action Plan Committee. Progress against the aims of this plan are reviewed annually.
