Our Business

Our Vision
	A society where there is equality, mutual respect and understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Our Mission
	To lead action that will enhance life opportunities for Aboriginal people.
Central to achieving this purpose is working in partnership with the Indigenous community of Western Australia.
Our Role
The Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) is a Western Australian Government agency established pursuant to the Public Sector management Act 1994 (WA). In 1995, when the Department was created it brought together to Department of Aboriginal Sites, the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority and a specialist land office in the Department for Premier and Cabinet. Today, the Department’s role still reflects the work of these three bodies.
Under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (AAPA Act) the Department is responsible for advising Government on the adequacy, implementation and coordination of services to Aboriginal people in Western Australia. The Department leads policy development on key issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal Western Australians and cross-government strategies to improve program planning and coordination. The Department engages with the Aboriginal community to ensure that Aboriginal people play a key role in policy development. The Department’s seven regional offices are the ‘front-line’ of this community collaboration process.
Land
Also under the AAPA Act, the Department supports the work of the Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT), a body comprised of Aboriginal people that holds almost 12% of the State on trust for Aboriginal people in Western Australia. In addition to an ongoing responsibility to return the land to Aboriginal people and groups, the ALT is required to manage the physical and built environment of the estate, which is home to more than 15,000 Aboriginal Western Australians. In this time of prosperity it is unacceptable that so many Aboriginal people experience substandard living conditions, and the ALT has commenced an audit of ALT land and infrastructure to build the case for greater resources, as well as seeking expressions of interest from the private sector to develop economic opportunities on the estate.
Heritage
Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 the Department works with Aboriginal people to protect and manage places of significance. The Department provides advice to the public, private sector and the community about Aboriginal heritage management and maintains a Register of Aboriginal Sites. The Department also assists Aboriginal families and native Title parties to access information that may assist them in reuniting families or demonstrating connections to country.
As part of the State’s project approvals system, the Department works with developers to ensure that Aboriginal heritage and engagement with Aboriginal people is built into development planning processes. The Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee, comprised of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage experts, provides advice to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on the management of sites of significance in the development process.
Our Purposes
Lead and influence the development of policy, planning and improved delivery of services to Aboriginal people in Australia.
Promote reconciliation and respect for Aboriginal history, heritage and culture.
Manage and protect places of significance to Aboriginal people in Western Australia and manage the Aboriginal lands Trust estate.
Our Values
Excellent, Integrity, Mutual Respect, Collaboration

Contact Us:

Contact details