Aboriginal reconciliation

In 2005 WorkCover CEO and executive management team released the following public statement in support of Aboriginal reconciliation and explaining our role as a service provider to a community that includes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

At WorkCover we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first Australians, with a unique culture and spiritual relationship to the land and sea.

At WorkCover we are committed to supporting the Council of Aboriginal Reconciliation in their goal of "improving our understanding of the history, cultures, past dispossession and continuing disadvantages of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples".

A copy of the full Aboriginal Reconciliation Statement is available for download:

Reconciliation actions

WorkCover is committed to working towards reconciliation by the following actions:

  • Continuing to implement, review, update and evaluate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Focus Group strategic plan
  • Continuing consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their representatives to enhance our understanding of safe work and injury management needs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and employers
  • Encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employers and employees to approach WorkCover for assistance in relation to rehabilitation, compensation and return to work
  • Promoting awareness sessions for staff, claims managers and providers relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, culture and culturally-appropriate services
  • Ensuring our products, services, programs and incentives meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers
  • Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employers and employees to provide an efficient, culturally-appropriate, inclusive and effective rehabilitation, compensation and return to work process
  • Developing an employment plan with a view to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed at WorkCover
  • Promoting workplace policies and strategies to eliminate racism as a workplace hazard and in the delivery of services
  • Supporting the reconciliation process in the South Australian occupational heath, safety, welfare, rehabilitation and compensation sector
  • Including appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremony and acknowledgements into official event.