Dietitians take action for reconciliation

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on 21 February 2017 in Canberra.

The launch was introduced by DAA President Liz Kellett and General Manager of the RAP Program Darryl Monaghan, and included a welcome to country by Aunty Agnes Shea.

The plan maps out the Association’s commitment to building the relationships, respect and opportunities essential to reconciliation between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) peoples.

Unveiling the RAP, Liz said:

“We want to recognise and support diversity in cultures and practice areas, and foster collegiality, collaboration and reconciliation between the First People of Australia and the wider Australian community. Our Reflect RAP formally outlines this commitment,” said Liz.

As the peak body for dietitians in Australia, DAA represents more than 6,300 members, who are passionate about improving the mental and physical health of all Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, through good nutrition.

“Improved nutrition and better food security among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is essential to ‘closing the gap’ in chronic diseases and life expectancy among non-Indigenous Australians. We aspire to engage, partner and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, communities and organisations, in a meaningful way to improve food security and health outcomes,” said Liz.

Of Reconciliation Australia’s four different types of reconciliation action plans, DAA has adopted a Reflect plan.

Darryl congratulated DAA for embracing reconciliation and taking real action.

“This Reflect RAP will assist you to develop a solid RAP governance model and build the business case for future commitments to cultural learning, practising cultural protocols, and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. We look forward to following your reconciliation journey,” he said.

Liz praised the efforts of the DAA Indigenous Nutrition Interest Group and the Association’s RAP Working Group for championing the development of the Reflect RAP.

By adopting a Reflect RAP, DAA has committed to:

• build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• encourage respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• take opportunities for reconciliation; and
• track progress against our intentions.

Access a copy of DAA’s RAP from www.daa.asn.au

The DAA together with  the Public Health Association of Australia, the Australian Red Cross, the National Heart Foundation of Australia, Indigenous Allied Health Australia and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, have developed a Joint Policy Statement on Food Security in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, along with an accompanying Background Paper.

The Statement, released in November 2016, provides succinct data about the current situation in relation to food security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, and outlines the action the organisations will undertake to address this issue.