The PSA CPSU NSW Aboriginal Conference 2024 was held in Newcastle on 12 November 2014. Themed Keep the Fires Burning Blak Loud and Proud, the conference began with an Acknowledgment of Country by Bilum Henry from the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), followed by a Welcome by Darrell Brown, Chair of the PSA CPSU NSW Aboriginal Council, and the union’s General Secretary Stewart Little.

Mr Little reminded guests in his opening message that the union movement has long stood alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers throughout the country’s modern era. Also, that getting more Aboriginal people into senior Public Sector jobs is a vital priority for the union. He said workplaces are stronger when they have diverse input, and workplaces can better serve Aboriginal clients when they have staff with similar experiences.

Linda Burney, Federal Member for Barton, and former PSA member, spoke at the conference. Her opening line was a hit with the audience: “I can think of nothing more important than public service.”

She acknowledged the PSA was one of the first unions to establish an Aboriginal Council, and to hold an annual conference for Aboriginal workers.

Ms Burney discussed the fact that all social justice issues faced by Aboriginal people have an economic empowerment element to them. And that so many big-ticket fights for social justice have their roots in Aboriginal people organising around injustices from employers, and, with the help of unions, have continued to fight against all injustices that surround those issues – particularly land rights. She lauded the PSA for making land rights, criminal justice, and other campaigns for Aboriginal rights core union business.

Ms Burney thanked the PSA for all the union’s work in fighting for secure employment, and all other areas that help Aboriginal communities throughout NSW.
“Ms Burney has announced her retirement from politics, and her advocacy and passion will be greatly missed by the PSA and its membership,” said Mr Little after the event.
‘Walkabout Barber’ Brian Dowd talked to the conference about health and wellbeing in the community.

Mr Dowd travels the state providing free haircuts to Aboriginal people, which in turn creates a judgement-free space for them to talk and learn about mental and physical health.

Jo Kerr, who has long worked on Aboriginal issues with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) discussed the union movement’s long association with First Nation rights.

Andrew Smith, Chief Executive of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) gave a passionate talk on land rights in NSW.

Worimi LALC was formed just a year after the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (ALRA) was introduced in 1983. It seeks opportunities for Aboriginal people to regain their cultural identity and self-determination in and around Port Stephens.

Mr Smith is a strong advocate of Aboriginal people achieving financial independence, and to stop relying on what he calls “toxic charity”. He also talked about “woke Aboriginals” – referring to the fact that the Aboriginal population jumped by 28 per cent in the last census.

He also talked about the success of the Worimi LALC being about community, not about individuals. His organisation is a not-for-profit social enterprise, and providing training and employment outcomes, and making the community proud and self-sufficient. A recurring theme in his talk was to stop in-fighting.

He told the audience unity within the Aboriginal communities is extremely important.

“We have to stop fighting, utilise all the skills we have amongst us, and let’s start having each other’s back and move forward,” he said.

Darrell Brown, Chair of the PSA CPSU NSW Aboriginal Council praised Mr Smith’s presentation.

“Andrew intrinsically brought the message of Keep the Fires Burning Blak Loud and Proud to every word,” said Mr Brown.