Furthering self-determination for Aboriginal and Torris Strait Islander people is a key priority for commissioning as a 10-year reform. This means all commissioning cycles need to consider how self-determination can be enhanced in each part of the human and health services system. A guide is available so commissioners can plan commissioning cycles while ensuring they consider the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
ACT Government encourages self-determination by fostering the growth of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). This means more services, programs, and supports delivered by community for community. Where new ACCOs are forming to respond to community need, government may adjust the investment process or approach to support them as they establish themselves, grow skills and capability, or expand their capacity for service delivery. Additional support is available through the ACCO Establishment and Expansion Fund.
ACT Government respects and supports the right of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to control their destinies and have decision-making power over things that affect them. Commissioning changes the way government, non-government organisations and community members partner to ensure services meet community needs. It allows for tailored service design, and best allocation of resources to deliver culturally safe services that foster truth-telling, healing, connection, and positive outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
ACT Government recognises that contemporary social and economic circumstances for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are linked to ongoing and previous experiences from past practice and policies. The consequences are far-reaching and intergenerational, continuing to play out in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s interactions with human service systems.
Aim: improve equity in health and life outcomes for priority population groups, through commissioning decisions on where and how to focus support.
Challenge: commit to community led approaches when commissioning to meet the specific and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ACT Government:
- recognises self-determination as fundamental for designing and delivering services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the community.
- encourages commissioning to be a healing opportunity that shifts decision making power to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and investment in ACCOs.
- applies the community led commitment to ACCOs at a system level, not just a specific commissioning cycle.
- adapts commissioning to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people design a process that meets their needs.
Actions: work with Traditional Owners, Elders, the Elected Body, and ACCOs to empower community led approaches for commissioning that drive positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Page updated: 30 Apr 2025
