Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What does colonisation refer to in this standard?
Invasion, settlement, assimilation and integration.

What characteristics of social structures described in terms of main elements may be included?
Communal living arrangements, patterns of daily life, roles of men, women and children, class structures, predominant language used, main economic activities, main transport systems used, main information systems used, predominant religion or spiritual beliefs, main system of law and order, main type of government, main social upheavals experienced over specified periods of time and main problems experienced by the society over specified periods of time.

What may be included in resistance to European colonisation?
Aggressive actions undertaken by Indigenous people, passive actions undertaken by Indigenous people and passive actions by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Which legislation could apply to this standard?
Native Labourers Protection Act 1884, Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1901, Aborigines Preservation and Protection Act 1939-1946, Torres Strait Islanders Act 1939 - 1946, Anti-discrimination Act 1975, Corrective Services (Torres Strait) Act 1985, Corrective Services (Aborigines) Act 1985, Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (Land Holding) Act 1985, Aboriginal and Islander Affairs Act 1965, Royal Commission into Aboriginal (and Torres Strait Islander) deaths in custody, Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1985, Native Title Act 1993, Freedom of Information Act 1993, Aboriginal Land Act 1993, Reconciliation Act, Equal Opportunity and Racial Discrimination Acts.

What policy directions of governments related to Indigenous people may be included?
Colonisation, protectionism, assimilation, integration, self-determination, self-management and reconciliation.

What are the major influences or trends and issues which may be relevant?
Health, housing, land rights, schooling, education, employment, Reconciliation, National Inquiry into the Removal of Children, or any of the directions/policies described above.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in working within an Indigenous community or organisation requires evidence that there is an awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, history and spirituality and that is reflected in work undertaken with Indigenous communities and/or organisations. The skills and knowledge required to apply understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, history and spirituality must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different communities and organisations.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Indigenous communities and social structures.
Indigenous cultural customs and heritage.
History of British society and dispossession in Australia.
Indigenous history and impact of European colonisation.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Gather information about Indigenous and non-Indigenous social structures.
Summarise actions of governments to deal with the effects of European colonisation.
Outline responses of Indigenous peoples.
Operate within an Indigenous community or organisation.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
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What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Communication of ideas and information can be applied orally, in written and electronic formats. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information can be collected, analysed and organised through local area oral history, historical records and current references. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Activities can be planned and organised according to community and organisational guidelines and best practice procedures. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Teamwork can be applied through working within an Indigenous organisation or community. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques can be applied through completion of mathematical tasks required by Indigenous organisation or community. (1)

Solving problems
Problem solving skills can be applied through assessing impact of European colonisation on social structures. (2)

Using technology
The use of technology can be applied through accessing and recording information on computer. (1)