1011.0 - ABS Reconciliation Action Plan, 2018-21  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 28/08/2018   
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OUR PEOPLE

Image of Emma Hart
EMMA HART

My family background is from the Mandandanji & Pitta-Pitta peoples. I work as a Support Officer in the National Recruitment Section in Brisbane and I am a member of the Youmpla employee network. I joined the ABS as part of the Indigenous Australian Government Development Program and worked on the Census 2016 program. As part of my personal development I have been able to travel to rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to return data collected in the 2016 Census, provide training on how to access Census products and promote upcoming surveys.

I believe that it is of great benefit for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to develop capability through such experiences of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, which meets our RAP objective of ‘Build and strengthen relationships’. Recognising Australia’s history and moving forward together to create an inclusive society that embraces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage as a proud part of Australia’s shared identity is how I describe reconciliation. Outside of work, you will find me spending time with family; looking after and learning from Elders; and supporting and cheering on my nephews at their football games.

Image of Ricky Segura
RICKY SEGURA

I am a descendant of the Wirangu and Kokatha mob from Far West Coast of South Australia. I work in the Adelaide office in the Construction Statistics Section as a Building Approval Coordinator. I’m also an active member of the Youmpla Employee Network. I joined the ABS through the IAGDP (Indigenous Australian Government Development Program).

As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee, I have appreciated having great leadership who support the RAP initiatives and I have helped them to understand how this support and commitment to Reconciliation supports the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I strongly believe that having committed leaders are key in ensuring Reconciliation initiatives are successful.

When I’m not at work you will find me training or travelling the world playing Blind Cricket for Australia or nationally for South Australia.

Image of Douglas Jacobs
DOUGLAS JACOBS

I am of Torres Strait Islander heritage (Erubamle, Meriam, Zenadth Kes - Darnley Island, Eastern Torres Strait) and grew up in the Cairns area, Far North Queensland. I am a Project Officer in the Household Characteristics and Social Reporting Branch, in Canberra, and am actively involved in the Youmpla employee network. Being a member of Youmpla has enabled me to be involved in, and consulted on issues and initiatives that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in the ABS, as well as provide a forum for staff to come together and support each other.

Reconciliation to me means ‘recognising, acknowledging and telling the true history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to all Australians’. Respecting, sharing and raising awareness of the cultural history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a key outcome of the RAP and I look forward to progressing this and other Reconciliation initiatives within the ABS.