- Work with Court Services Victoria’s Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians
- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of Koori programs and policies across the Victorian Courts Group
- Genuine growth opportunity in a dynamic and diverse team, SES1, Melbourne CBD/hybrid/statewide travel, Full-time 5-years
About us
Court Services Victoria provides corporate services and facilities to support the performance of the judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative functions of Victoria's courts and tribunal, Judicial College and Judicial Commission.
Collectively, Victoria's Supreme, County, Magistrates', Children's, and Coroners courts, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the Judicial College of Victoria, the Judicial Commission of Victoria, and Court Services Victoria (CSV) are referred to as the ‘Courts Group'.
Our people enable the Courts Group to deliver on individual and connected strategic priorities.
The Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit
The Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit (DMDU) sits within the CSV Corporate (formerly Jurisdiction Services), and was established in 2002 to support the development, implementation and evaluation of Koori programs and policies across the Victorian Courts Group.
The main functions of the unit is to:
- Provide advice and guidance to jurisdiction staff, the judiciary, stakeholders and Koori communities.
- Provide Secretariat support and program implementation on behalf of CSV to AJF.
- Promote CSV Self-Determination
- Author Koori policies and oversees Koori policy and program implementation across the jurisdictions.
About the role:
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer on a 5-year fixed-term basis, the Executive Director of the Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit provides operational and policy expertise, a strong understanding of government, effective stakeholder management, and ability to build strong relationships with senior executives and judicial officers. The role guides and engages in strategic, collaborative and productive relationships with Aboriginal units and staff across court jurisdictions, Aboriginal communities and the Aboriginal Justice Caucus.
Key accountabilities include:
- Providing high quality and effective engagement with all key stakeholders to enable self-determination and improved justice outcomes.
- Working across the Courts Group, operating as the key point of contact on Koori matters and engagement, including the strategic advice and planning for Courts Group regarding Self Determination, including, but not limited to, the Victorian Treaty process and recommendations arising from the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
- Building cultural capability across the Courts Group aligned to the overarching Aboriginal self-determination agenda.
- Providing clear, concise and accurate reports, briefings, presentations and recommendations on broad and complex issues to executives and senior leadership groups to seek support and commitment on the delivery of self-determination.
- Leading and managing the development and implementation of a range of Koori-specific strategic initiatives to deliver effective state-wide court and tribunal initiatives, including cultural reform and change aligned to the self-determination plan and CSV Strategic Plan.
- Developing collaborative strategies and implementing actions to improve relationships across all relevant areas, including government, non-government, community, individuals and the private sector to improve justice and social outcomes for Victorian Aboriginal communities.
- As a member of the senior executive leadership team, contributing a strong and informed Aboriginal perspective to CSV decision making and ensure effective governance and compliance with CSV and government strategic direction and policy.
- Monitoring deliverables and expenditure of Koori programs across CSV, working closely with the CSV finance teams to track quarterly expenditure.
- Developing, leading, delivering and evaluating senior leadership cultural immersion programs
twice a year and track and evaluate the effectiveness of cultural competency programs, progress against the self-determination and the Koori Employment plan to address emerging issues.
About you:
- Demonstrated expert knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Koori community, both society and culture and the impacting issues, especially in relation to contact with the justice system.
- Demonstrated strong ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Koori community, including a high-level knowledge of the complex nature of the Victorian Koori community and its organisations.
- High level knowledge of the Victorian justice system and government processes.
- Experience working at a senior level in a complex and dynamic environment that requires the capacity to exercise professional judgement and cultural leadership, provide critical analysis and strategic advice to executive management and senior stakeholders on complex organisation-wide Human Relations and other issues/matters.
- Demonstrated leadership experience supporting staff through complex organisational transition, including the capability to lead the Government's response to the Silver Review, in a culturally aware, sensitive ad respectful way that promotes wellbeing, inclusion and effective change.
- A relevant tertiary qualification in law, Aboriginal affairs, public policy or lived experience is highly desirable.
- Knowledge and understanding of trauma informed practice, cultural safety and self-determination.
- Demonstrated experience in championing First Nations work that strengthens inclusivity and cultural safety.
Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measures Provision pursuant to s 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
How to apply
Click the ‘Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:
- resume
- a short cover letter
Other information
CSV is the employer of staff at Courts Group. CSV has a firm commitment through its Koori Employment Plan to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our workforce.
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. Those from the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of all ages, with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and those who are neurodiverse, are encouraged to apply.
We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to email the contact person listed in the advertisement.
As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, CSV conduct pre-employment checks, including reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially, with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both candidates and Court Services Victoria.