The Traditional Owner Workforce Development Framework articulates what’s needed for strong, skilled, and sustaining Traditional Owner workforces on-Country.
Traditional Owners working on and for Country is about more than filling vacancies: it’s about using meaningful work to meet obligations to care for Country and strengthen language and culture. The Workforce Development Framework charts a practical path for Traditional Owner Corporations to grow the size, skills and long-term sustainability of their workforces – and keep culture strong in the process.
The Traditional Owner Workforce Development Framework was published in July 2026 by the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The Workforce Development Framework responds directly to issues the Federation heard from Traditional Owner Corporations during engagement in our role as Closing the Gap sector representative for employment and economic development and in developing the Traditional Owner Economic Development Roadmap.
We heard: many barriers exist to finding and keeping the right people on-Country – but if you can surmount these barriers, Traditional Owner Corporations can meet important obligations to Country, community, and culture on behalf of their communities.
With direction from Traditional Owner Corporations, we proposed a piece of strategic, consulted work that would identify these barriers and and recommend practical solutions.
Traditional Owners working on and for Country inherently protects, promotes and strengthens culture and language. This principle is fundamental to the Traditional Owner Workforce Development Framework.
Aboriginal cultures and language are sacred and ancient, and Traditional Owners their custodians. The Traditional Owner Workforce Development Framework acknowledges the responsibility held by Traditional Owner Corporations, and the important role they play in preserving and revitalising culture.
This project is funded under the Victorian Government’s second Closing the Gap priority reform – sector strengthening – under the priority focus of strengthening language and culture.
The Traditional Owner Workforce Development Framework contains 22 practical recommendations that seek the systemic reform required for Traditional Owner Corporations to build strong, skilled and sustaining workforces on-Country. Advocating for their implementation is the Federation’s next priority.
Gabby Maher is the best contact for your questions and involvement in this work. Contact Gabby.
