AUSTRALIAN NURSING & MIDWIFERY FEDERATION INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN DECEMBER 2016 - DECEMBER 2018
Front Cover Image: Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers, ANMF National Biennial Delegates Conference, Brisbane 2 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
AUSTRALIAN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY FEDERATION INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN December 2016 - December 2018 Our vision for reconciliation Our vision for reconciliation is health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our vision can be achieved through building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses, midwives and broader communities, working together to identify and provide opportunities to build capacity and realise potential. We will work towards our vision by modelling respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; promoting understanding of their rights and leading the nursing and midwifery professions in respect and sharing knowledge with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We will adopt the principles of reconciliation as part of our core work, and will model and encourage promotion of reconciliation throughout the nursing and midwifery professions. Our business Established in 1924, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is the largest professional and industrial organisation in Australia for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing, with our core business being the professional and industrial representation of our members and the professions of nursing and midwifery. The ANMF takes a leadership role for the nursing and midwifery professions by participating in the development of policy relating to nursing and midwifery practice, professionalism, regulation, education, training, workforce, socio-economic welfare, health and aged care, community services, veterans affairs, workplace health and safety, industrial relations, social justice, human rights, immigration, foreign affairs and law reform. The ANMF structure consists of a Federal Office (across Canberra and Melbourne locations) which is nationally focussed, and Branches in each State and Territory of Australia, which are jurisdiction-focussed. A combined national membership of over 250,000 nurses, midwives, students and assistants in nursing, includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. ANMF members are employed in a wide range of settings including urban, rural and remote locations in public and private health, primary health care and in aged care. Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 3
The ANMF Branches engage directly in membership activities within their jurisdictions, while the Federal Office undertakes lobbying at a national level on behalf of the organisation as a whole. Information on the work of the ANMF Federal Office such as current and past national campaigns, policy work (including submissions and policy statements), online education programs, and publications (including Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal), can be found on the ANMF Federal Office website at: http://www.anmf.org.au This Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is developed for the ANMF Federal Office staff, of which there are twenty-five people employed across its Canberra and Melbourne locations. There are no employees of the ANMF Federal Office who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, at the time of writing. Our RAP The ANMF has made a commitment to work to address health inequalities experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This RAP acts on that commitment and helps to focus our aim of keeping the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the national agenda. Our RAP is an important objective of the ANMF Strategic Plan and articulates our vision to influence nursing, midwifery, health, and social justice policy. Of essence, this RAP is an opportunity to contribute, on behalf of nursing and midwifery, to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The ANMF RAP was initially championed by a dedicated group of staff within Federal Office. Their work is now undertaken by a formalised RAP Working, described below. The Federal Office RAP, which may provide a framework for the ANMF State and Territory Branches to develop their own activities, has been endorsed by the ANMF Federal Executive. Our RAP has been developed and revised over time by the RAP Working, which has positions for an elected official (Federal Assistant Secretary), professional staff (Federal and Research Officer/Librarian), and an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurse who is an ANMF member. The RAP Working may co-opt other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ANMF members from time to time. This Working meets at least twice per year and is responsible for developing, implementing, reviewing and reporting progress against the RAP within the Federal Office of the ANMF. 4 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Faye Clarke, a Gunditjmara, Wotjaboluk and Ngarrindjeri woman, an ANMF member and member of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM), has provided invaluable advice during the development of this RAP as a member of our RAP Working. The ANMF provided significant support for the establishment of CATSIN in the early 1990s. Due to the historical and on-going close relationship between the ANMF and (now) CATSINaM, the ANMF RAP has been reviewed by CATSINaM through their Chief Executive Officer, as an external consultation, and approval obtained for the actions and deliverables of mutual involvement. Progress on the RAP will be reported to the ANMF Federal Executive and the membership. The ANMF will also provide an annual progress report to Reconciliation Australia which will be publically available on our website: http://www.anmf.org.au Our Reconciliation Journey The first RAP developed by the ANMF Federal Office was launched in 2009 and registered with Reconciliation Australia. Under this RAP the majority of Federal Office staff in 2010 undertook a cultural awareness day which included the experience of a guided cultural walk along the banks of the Yarra River, Melbourne, and an afternoon cultural program at the Koori Heritage Trust. The RAP has also been the driving force for Federal Office staff participating in events of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples such as: NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee), Mabo Day, National Reconciliation Week, National Sorry Day and, Close the Gap activities. Our journey since 2009 has led us to understand more fully the capacity and sphere of influence of the Federal Office in refining and realising our RAP objectives. We have improved our vigilance with including the Welcome to Country address at ANMF official functions, and acknowledging Traditional Custodians of the land in meetings/presentations and in written communications such as on official letterhead and as footers to emails. We have increasingly raised awareness in ANMF submissions of the specific implications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives of proposed government policies. Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 5
We have continued to work closely with CATSINaM in such endeavours as the establishment of LINMEN (Leaders in Indigenous Nursing and Midwifery Education Network), a network of nursing and midwifery leaders that provides a platform for ensuring all education programs for nurses and midwives include cultural safety and respect in the teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health, histories and cultures. We have also supported CATSINaM through participation in their Cultural Safety and Respect program, and in events such as the Parliamentary breakfast, which was held to showcase the work of CATSINaM and raise the profile of the organisation. ANMF continues to collaborate with CATSINaM through joint participation in the South Pacific Nurses Forum (SPNF), where we play a leadership role thoughout the event, and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives to attend. Staff profiles which reflect positive progress by our organisation: In the spirit of our RAP, Julianne Bryce, Senior Federal and Elizabeth Foley, Federal, undertook a two day Cultural Safety and Respect workshop hosted by our colleague organisation the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM), in 2014. Julie Reeves, who subsequently joined our Professional Team as a Federal, also completed that same workshop in 2014. ANMF Federal Office staff acknowledging Close The Gap Day with morning tea 6 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Relationships The relationships and connections that ANMF develops with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, including nurses and midwives and broader communities, are fundamental to enabling the activities outlined in our RAP. The ANMF seeks to foster positive, respectful relationships and genuine opportunities for communication and cooperation. We seek to listen and learn, and to work sensitively and ably with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations to bring about health equality, to build capacity and realise potential. 1. ANMF Federal Office RAP Working (RWG) actively monitors RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting Maintain, review and update Terms of Reference for the RAP Working (RWG) The ANMF RWG oversees the development, endorsement, and launch, of the RAP Maintain a permanent place for an ANMF member who is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife to the ANMF RWG December 2016 March 2017, 2018 Continue to ensure our RWG membership includes an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife March 2017, 2018 Meet at least twice per year to monitor and report on RAP implementation 2. Celebrate and participate in National Reconciliation Week by providing opportunities to build and maintain relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians Organise at least one internal event for National Reconciliation Week each year Register our National Reconciliation Week event via Reconciliation Australia s website Support an external National Reconciliation Week event Ensure our RWG participates in an external event to recognise and celebrate National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June, 2017, 2018 Encourage staff to participate in external events to recognise and celebrate National Reconciliation Week Download Reconciliation Australia s National Reconciliation Week resources and circulate to staff Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 7
3. Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to support positive outcomes, especially those relating to health equality Meet with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to develop guiding principles for future engagement Develop and implement an engagement plan to work with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders - especially the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM) Revise our Consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Organisations policy February 2017 March 2017 March 2017 Invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speakers to present on history, health and culture at ANMF Federal Office conferences and events June, December 2017, 2018 Executive Assistant Staff to attend lectures, symposia, study days or conferences, relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, histories and cultures, with particular attention to conferences organised by: March 2017, 2018 Federal Secretary, Secretary, Senior CATSINaM Lowitja Institute National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Professional staff and elected officials join CATSINaM under affiliate membership June 2017, 2018 Professional Officer and Federal Secretary/Assistant Federal Secretary ANMF takes organisational membership of CATSINaM June 2017, 2018 Federal Secretary 4. Raise internal and external awareness of our RAP to promote reconciliation across our organisation and throughout nursing and midwifery Implement and review a strategy to communicate our RAP to all internal and external stakeholders Promote reconciliation through ongoing active engagement with all stakeholders Encourage our Branches to develop a RAP May 2017, 2018 May 2017, 2018 Secretary 8 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
5. Establish partnerships with CATSINaM to foster and promote their ideals for nursing and midwifery, and our mutual vision for reconciliation Formalise ways for ANMF to work with, support and promote, the strategic objectives of CATSINaM by developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations Seek advice from CATSINaM on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives to inform relevant policy and project development, Secretary Collaborate with CATSINaM on joint statements and national submissions, such as: ANMF Position Statement on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health June 2018 Develop a policy on recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into nursing and midwifery June 2018 Assist CATSINaM to promote the development of a network in nursing and midwifery faculties - Leaders in Indigenous Nursing and Midwifery Education Network (LINMEN) - to inform education May 2017 Alongside CATSINaM, advocate for culturally safe work environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives June 2018 Industrial Officer Explore opportunities to collaborate with CATSINaM in supporting the Recognise campaign July 2017 Photos courtesy of CATSINaM Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 9
Left: Faye Clarke, ANMF and CATSINaM member, Gunditjmara, Wotjaboluk and Ngarrindjeri woman, ANMF RAP Working CATSINaM Parliamentary Breakfast, Canberra Left: ANMF member Donna Simmonds, Family Nurse Practitioner working in Aboriginal Health and Calvin Bruton, CATSINaM; and below: Sharyn Hopkins [QNU], Teresa McGorm [QNU], Gladys Wilson [NSWNMA] Julianne Bryce [ANMF] and Donna Simmonds [QNU] Right: Gavin Wanganeen, Aboriginal artist and AFL legend at the launch of his Shooting Stars exhibition with ANMF s Julianne Bryce and Elizabeth Reale 10 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Respect The ANMF respects the innate right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to determine their health needs. We recognise there is diversity of experiences and cultural heritage, and we embrace cultural differences. The ANMF understands that traditional cultural heritage and identity shape contemporary culture. Our intent is to raise awareness of and to celebrate achievements and successful health outcomes, both within our organisation and externally. 6. Engage Federal Office staff in cultural learning opportunities to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements, and to stay informed of current issues Identify and facilitate cultural learning requirements specific to the training needs of our staff Develop and implement a cultural awareness training strategy for our staff which defines cultural learning needs of employees in all areas of our organisation and considers various ways cultural learning can be provided (online, face-to-face workshops or cultural immersion) Investigate opportunities to work with local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants to develop cultural awareness training Investigate local cultural experiences and immersion opportunities such as involvement and participation in cultural learning activities, for example: Fitzroy historical walk Koorie Heritage Trust cultural programs Walkin Birrarung cultural heritage walks and classroom sessions October 2017 Provide opportunities for RAP Working members, RAP champions, and other key leadership staff to participate in cultural training, such as Cultural Safety and Respect training workshops conducted by CATSINaM, targeted at senior nursing and midwifery staff March 2018 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 11
7. Engage Federal Office staff in understanding the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, to ensure there is a shared meaning Review and update a cultural protocol document for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country Develop a list of key contacts for organising a Welcome to Country and maintaining respectful partnerships Identify and invite a Traditional Owner to provide a Welcome to Country to at least one significant event. Examples are: ANMF biennial delegates conference; and, National Enrolled Nurse Association (NENA) conference. November 2017 Research/Librarian Officer Executive Assistant (Biennial conference) & Education Officer (NENA conference) Include Acknowledgement of Country at the commencement of important internal and external meetings held at ANMF Federal Office; and in all presentations given by ANMF Federal Office staff at ANMF and external conferences/seminars/forums March 2017, 2018, Industrial Officer, Secretary Research/Librarian Officer Invite a Traditional Custodian to our office to explain the significance of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country March 2017 8. Demonstrate respect for CATSINaM as the peak representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives Lobby and advocate to ensure the inclusion of CATSINaM in all national nursing and midwifery and health related forums Secretary, Wurundjeri Elder Murrindindi performing Welcome to Country in the form of a Smoke Ceremony at the South Pacific Nurses Forum, Melbourne ANMF Federal Office Staff at a Close The Gap event 12 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
9. Develop and revise existing internal documents to guide the Federal Office approach to respectful relationships and improving understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures Develop internal documents such as Cultural Safety and Cultural Respect guidelines, in consultation with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurse/s and/or midwife/s Revise writers guidelines for Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal (ANMJ) and Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing (AJAN) and other ANMF publications, in consultation with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse/s and/or midwife/s, to ensure written communications demonstrate respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples March 2018 March 2018, Journals Editor 10. Publicise examples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander success in building healthy communities in order to: acknowledge achievement and showcase innovation and creativity in addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues, and counter negative stereotypes Regularly publish articles in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and the health care workforce Regularly feature positive news stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and health outcomes, in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal Promote the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in building healthy communities, in ANMF communication media Attract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse and midwife member contributions to Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal and Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing through personal contact at conferences and celebrations, and by working with Branches to identify potential contributors November 2017,2018 Journals Editor Journals Editor, Journals Editor Communications Officer 11. Promote respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the health workforce Advocate for the maintenance and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations Ensure all relevant submissions promote the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled decision making March 2017, 2018 August 2018 Secretary, In collaboration with CATSINaM, develop guidelines for nurses and midwives to build their capacity to respond to the cultural needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in their care October 2018 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 13
12. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to engage with cultures and communities by celebrating NAIDOC Week Review HR policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week Provide opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to participate with their cultures and communities during NAIDOC Week June 2017, 2018 July 2017, 2018 Finance Officer 13. Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and campaigns Recognise and communicate to Federal Office staff Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance, including: Close the Gap Day National Reconciliation Week National Sorry Day NAIDOC Week Recognise Campaign Provide opportunities for Federal Office staff to participate in celebrating, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance either through internal activities such as special morning teas, or, by joining in with events held by external organisations Promote to ANMF members Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance, through written publications and/or social media Journals Editor, Communications Officer, Professional Officer Journals Editor, Left: CATSINaM Breakfast and lobbying event at Parliament House, Canberra Right: CATSINaM CEO Janine Mohamed with Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous Affairs, Warren Snowdon MP 14 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Opportunities The ANMF takes and creates opportunities to ensure the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remains a clear focus of the national nursing and midwifery agenda. The ANMF will remind government and authorities involved in health and aged care of their responsibilities and commitment to providing opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations in achieving health equality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and members of the broader community. This may incorporate learning and development opportunities which support pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including provision for experiences within our workplace, where possible. 14. Investigate opportunities to improve and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes within the ANMF Federal Office workplace Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and retention strategy Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on employment strategies, including professional development June 2017 March 2017 Finance Officer, Secretary Advertise all vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media Collect information on our current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment opportunities March 2017 Review human resources and recruitment procedures and policies to ensure there are no barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and future applicants participating in our workplace June 2017 Include in all job advertisements, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply February 2017 15. Investigate opportunities to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity within our organisation Review procurement policies and procedures to identify barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to supply our organisation with goods and services Develop and communicate to staff a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that can be used to procure goods and services November 2017 Finance Officer and Office Manager Develop one commercial relationship with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned business March 2018 Investigate Supply Nation membership June 2017 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 15
16. Identify and provide opportunities to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse and midwife members on national professional and industrial issues of importance to their professional growth, practice and the people for whom they care Work with the ANMF state and territory Branches to: collect data on the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives in membership, consult and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members to identify and address national issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives Develop a process for appointing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife members for ANMF committees August 2018 Industrial Officer, Research/Librarian Officer, Professional Officer Develop a process for selection of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife members to represent ANMF in specific circumstances 17. Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse and midwife members to attend international nursing and midwifery events for their professional development Liaise with CATSINaM to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse and midwife members of both organisations to attend international events, such as: South Pacific Nurses Forum (SPNF) International Council of Nurses Quadrennial Congress (ICN) International Confederation of Midwives Conference (ICM) Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation Conference (CNMF) Sponsor the attendance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse and midwife members at, and participation in, international events June 2017, 2018 Secretary, March 2017, 2018 18. Identify opportunities for pro bono activities to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our sphere of influence Investigate opportunities to increase pro bono activities, such as, provide sponsorship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student/s of nursing or midwifery to attend CATSINaM annual conferences; Explore our capability to provide: Work experience and undergraduate placement to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students Professional internship programs August 2018 Secretary and Secretary, Finance Officer 16 Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Tracking progress and reporting The ANMF Federal Office RAP Working will be responsible for progressing this RAP. The RAP Working reports to the ANMF Federal Secretary who is responsible for, and will report on the RAP internally to members, ANMF Federal Executive and ANMF Federal Council; and, externally. 19. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings to Reconciliation Australia Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually. Investigate participating in the RAP Barometer 30 September 2017, 2018 June 2018 20. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings internally and externally Publically report ANMF RAP achievements, challenges and learnings through the ANMF Annual Report. Report on ANMF RAP achievements, challenges and learnings to: ANMF Federal Executive, ANMF Federal Council, ANMF Biennial Delegates Conference May 2017, 2018 May 2017, 2018 November 2017 Secretary Secretary Review progress against RAP at each meeting of the RAP Working to ensure planned actions are being achieved March 2017, 2018, 21. Review, refresh and update RAP Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements Contact details Name: Elizabeth Foley Position: Federal Phone: 03 9602 8500 Email: anmfmelbourne@anmf.org.au Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal feedback and endorsement June 2018 July 2018 NB. Timelines stating refer to the months in which our RAP Working will meet and report on progress made towards our RAP commitments. NB. Unless otherwise specified, the name in the responsibility column applies to all deliverables in that action. Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 17