We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and pay our respects to all Elders past and present, and to the children of today who are the Elders of the future.
Artist: Jasmine Sarin, a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman.
In January 2025, we tabled our latest OCHRE report in Parliament. This report assessed how well the NSW Government is delivering on its long-standing Aboriginal affairs plan, OCHRE (Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Empowerment).
The report found that while OCHRE remains a promising model, several parts of the plan have stalled and without clear government commitment and accountability, its future is uncertain.
The Ombudsman’s report made a core recommendation:
That the NSW Government both articulate and demonstrate a renewed commitment to OCHRE, and to its continued status and future as the NSW plan for Aboriginal affairs in New South Wales.
We also set out 10 detailed recommendations focused on legislative reform, program delivery, reporting and funding frameworks, community engagement and clarification of the relationship of OCHRE with other programs such as Closing the Gap.
In April 2025, the Hon. David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, responded to the Ombudsman’s report. The response acknowledged the value of the report and the importance of sustained community involvement.
The Minister committed to several key actions including:
In December 2025, the Minister formally responded to our OCHRE 2024 report and recommendations.
The Minister's response included the government's position on each of our 11 recommendations, including the core recommendation. We note the NSW Government supports the core recommendation of the report. The Minister further advised the NSW Government supports or supports in principle/part all other recommendations except recommendation 5. The NSW Government’s response to recommendation 5, related to adopting multi-year funding commitments, was that it would require further consideration.
The Minister advised that he intends to make a public statement articulating the government's recommitment to OCHRE when he releases the 12 Years of OCHRE Implementation report – expected to occur in early 2026.
The Minister also stated that Aboriginal Affairs NSW will develop a proposal for legislation as the foundation of OCHRE – supporting greater accountability and embedding of practice principles across government. The Minister stated the legislative proposal will be informed by consultation with Aboriginal communities, community organisations, representative bodies as well as government agencies on to how best embed OCHRE principles and accountability mechanisms within government agencies. It is proposed a Bill will be introduced into Parliament later this year.
The Office will continue to provide updates on the NSW Government’s response to our OCHRE 2024 Report recommendations as progress is made.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and pay our respects to all Elders past and present, and to the children of today who are the Elders of the future.
Artist: Jasmine Sarin, a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman.