Examination of Stolen Wages has Commenced: The DIA project team, established to undertake the examination of Stolen Wages, has now commenced. The team comprises Jane Boxall, Dr Joanna Sassoon and Lisa Corbellini. The Task Force, agreed to by Cabinet to examine and prepare advice on future stolen wages policy options, has also been established and is comprised of the following Departments: Treasury and Finance; Culture and Arts; Premier and Cabinet; Communities; Indigenous Minister’s Office; Indigenous Affairs and Child Protection. It is required to report back to Cabinet with their findings by 30 June 2008.

Indigenous Population Passes 500,000: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Australia has pushed past the half-a-million mark, according to a report published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) yesterday. The latest figures show real growth in the Australian Indigenous population over the past two decades. Preliminary estimates of the population now put it at just over 517,000, or 2.5 per cent of the total population. That marks an increase of almost 60,000 in the five years between census takings. The estimate of the Western Australian Indigenous population as at 30 June 2006 is 77,900 Indigenous people. Between 2001 and 2006 the Western Australian Indigenous population grew by 18%, which was the largest growth of all the States/Territories. For more information, go to the ABS website.

Keeping our Mob Safe: A new national strategy was launced in Broome recently to help remote Indigenous communities develop responses to natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. The 'Keeping our Mob Safe' report is a response to an identified need for a practical approach by government at the local, State/Territory and national levels, and by Indigenous communities to address the community emergency management priorities of remote Indigenous communities. The launch was hosted by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority Western Australia and the Bidyadanga La Grange Community. The report is available on the Emergency Australia Management website.

Treasurer's Awards for Innovation in Procurement: The Department of Treasury and Finance has announced that nominations are open for the Innovation in Procurement - Treasurer's Awards 2007. Procurement reforms deliver important benefits and value for money outcomes for all government business and these awards will recognise outstanding procurement achievements. There are five award categories. Four are open to all Western Australian government agencies and the fifth requires agencies to nominate one of their employees or teams. Nominations close 21 September. Further information is available from the Office of Government Procurement website.

National Indigenous Leadership Programs: Applications are now open for the Australian Government's National Indigenous Leadership Programs for 2007-2008. The government offers three programs: the Indigenous Community Women's Leadership Program, the Indigenous Community Men's Leadership Program and the Indigenous Community Youth Leadership Program. For more information go to the FaCSIA website, phone 1800 249 873 or send an email.

Education sessions in Pilbara and Kimberley: Two advocates of the Aboriginal Advocacy Program, Doris Hill and Phillipa Jahn, will bring education sessions to various communities in the Pilbara and Kimberley. The focus of these sessions will be the mistreatment of older adults. They will also cover the Aboriginal Advocacy Program and the role of an advocate. The program was initiated in 2003 by Advocare. Dates and times are: Port Hedland, 20 August, 10-12am, Newman, 21 August, 1.30-3.30pm, Tom Price, 22 August 1-3pm, Karratha, 23 August 1.30-3.30pm, Broome, 27 August, 1.30-3.30pm, Derby, 28 August, 1.30-3pm, Fitzroy Crossing, 29 August, 10.30-12.30, Halls Creek, 30 August, 1-3pm and Wyndham 31 August 11.30am. People interested in attending a session please phone Advocare on (08) 9221 8599 and ask for a local contact person. 

UWA Expo School of Indigenous Studies: Want to know more about the School of Indigenous Studies at UWA? Then come to the UWA Expo on Sunday 19 August. The School offers preparatory courses for Indigenous students to qualify for entry to all degrees at UWA, together with advice and support in applying for entry, enrolling and studying at UWA. Staff will be on hand between 10am and 3pm to tour the School and answer any questions and a presentation will be held at noon in Shenton House. For more information go to the UWA website.

Conference and Workshop on Healing Journeys: The Coalition of Peoples in respectful partnership with Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation presents Healing Journeys - Dimensions of Working Through Trauma - conference and workshop. They present a focus on healing the trauma of the past and moving forward with a plan of action to enhance Indigenous community wellbeing in Western Australia. Conference dates are 11 & 12 September at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle. Cost: $200 per person. The workshop is on 13 September at the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service,Wittenoom St, East Perth. Cost: $60 per person. For more information phone 0428 362 763 or visit the website.

Positions Vacant at DIA: There are a number of vacancies at the Department. To view the position details, please visit the employment section of the DIA website here.