Acknowledgment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country across Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
We recognise the diverse aspirations of First Nations peoples for self-determination, economic justice and generational impact. In pursuing these aspirations, First Nations communities may choose to operate a not-for-profit that is registered as a charity.
The Charity Register includes First Nations organisations of all sizes with wide ranging ambitions and responsibilities to manage land and resources, advance education, promote culture, stimulate entrepreneurship and provide core community services.
We recognise that the language of ‘charity’ does not resonate with First Nations organisations and communities. We acknowledge that some of the language of charity can serve to conflate Indigenous identity with disadvantage. In doing so, the language of charity may frame First Peoples solely as beneficiaries of charity rather than self-determining agents of change. We know the work of many First Nations organisations is grounded in strength and empowerment, rather than concepts of benevolence.
We recognise that First Nations organisations play a critical role in harnessing the wisdom and strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to provide effective governance and drive community led outcomes. We also acknowledge our shared history and the impact of colonisation on First Nations people.
Our vision is for charities that inspire confidence and respect. In delivering this vision, it is essential that we incorporate the expertise, experience and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We deeply value the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our organisation and to the broader not-for-profit sector.
Our journey together so far
In 2016 we published our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities Engagement Strategy and Action Plan. The Engagement Strategy and Action Plan was made available on our website, and we published our progress and achievements in 2016 and 2018.
While we have continued to implement the measures in the Engagement Strategy and Action Plan, along with many new initiatives, this Statement of Commitment is an opportunity to strengthen the accountability measures that must accompany any meaningful commitment to reconciliation.
In July 2024, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) published its new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The ATO’s RAP now clarifies its application to all ATO employees, including ACNC staff.
What we will do
To demonstrate our commitment, we will:
- Build our understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures, governance and rights as the foundation for respectful relationships and services
- Collaborate with First Nations organisations, peak bodies and other regulators to reduce red tape and support charities to meet their obligations to the ACNC
- Strive to create an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees thrive in fulfilling careers and a culturally safe workplace
- Foster accountability and transparency by:
- Appointing an ACNC RAP Champion and reporting quarterly against the ATO RAP actions and deliverables from 1 July 2024
- Engaging meaningfully with First Nations charities and peak bodies before launching an updated ACNC Statement of Commitment Action Plan. The Action Plan will identify ACNC specific actions and deliverables that are consistent with the ATO RAP and National Agreement on Closing the Gap and will also recognise our independent role as Australia’s charity regulator
- Maintain and resource an ACNC Statement of Commitment Working Group that meets regularly to support implementation, accountability and governance
- Reviewing this Statement on an annual basis.
A note on terminology
- In developing this Statement of Commitment, we sought to use culturally appropriate and respectful terminology.
- We use the following terms interchangeably: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, First Nations, First Peoples, Indigenous Australians (inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) and Indigenous peoples.
- When we use these terms to describe a charity, we are referring to a charity that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples control and govern. Many Indigenous charities are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations, incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act) 2006 (Cth). However, we recognise that Indigenous peoples may choose to adopt a broad range of legal and governance structures.
- The Charity Register includes approximately 1300 Indigenous Corporations. ACNC data does not otherwise identify which charities are Indigenous controlled.
- We look forward to continuing to embed meaningful engagement with First Nations charities in implementing this Statement, including seeking further guidance about terminology and Indigenous data.