The Ulare Secondment Program

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OVERVIEW

A reciprocal secondment program connecting South Australian public sector agencies and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations through two-way placements built on shared learning, practical collaboration and long-term relationships.

The program supports South Australia’s commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap by strengthening collaboration, shared learning and reciprocal partnerships between government and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.

The Ulare Secondment Program connects Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and the South Australian public sector through a reciprocal secondment model designed to strengthen collaboration, shared capability and measurable outcomes.

Delivered by MTL Consulting Services in partnership with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment.

Aboriginal organisations play a vital role in delivering community-led solutions and achieving meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal peoples. Strengthening these organisations increases their capacity to provide essential services, while supporting their self-determination and maintaining cultural strength and resilience within their communities.

The program responds directly to Action 2.06 of South Australia's Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2024–2026. It supports reciprocal secondments between South Australian public sector employees and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations through project-based placements aligned to real organisational priorities.

WHY THIS PROGRAM EXISTS

HOW IT WORKS

❋ Participation pathways

Pathways for participation are offered across metropolitan, regional and remote locations to broaden access, strengthen inclusion and create meaningful statewide impact.

❋ Two-way opportunities

Public sector employees can be seconded into ACCOs and ACCO employees into government agencies. Each placement is purposeful, reciprocal and designed to create shared learning and stronger cross-sector relationships.

❋ Flexible model

Placements are available from one to six months, with options ranging from one day per week to full-time, and remote or hybrid arrangements supported. Applications open twice a year with flexible options available in between. Check current intake dates here.

❋ Program support

We offer a structured framework for both hosts and participants, incorporating inductions, onboarding, planned check-ins and responsive support to support a positive and impactful program experience.

❋ Host Readiness & Practical Application

Hosts and participants are supported across the full placement lifecycle through program familiarity and onboarding, planned check-ins and responsive support.

WHO IS ULARE FOR

The Ulare Secondment Program is open to South Australian Government agencies and public sector employees at all levels, as well as Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations governed and operated by Aboriginal communities. 

Open to employees across all levels of government, the program creates space for reciprocal placements and genuine shared learning, building the cross-sector relationships and collaborative practice that meaningful outcomes require.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Check Your Eligibility
Not sure if Ulare is right for you? Start by reviewing the eligibility criteria and FAQs before you apply.

Submit an Expression of Interest
Let us know you are interested as a host organisation or a participant. Expressions of interest are open year-round.

Eligibility Review and Invitation
Every expression of interest is reviewed and eligibility assessed individually. Successful applicants are invited to apply as intake cycles open throughout the year.

Readiness and Needs Assessment
Before any placement is confirmed, we work alongside host organisations to understand their priorities, assess readiness and ensure the right foundations are in place for a successful placement.

Application and Matching
Formal applications are assessed for suitability and alignment. Successful applicants are matched and move through to the next intake cycle to begin their placement.

Not every expression of interest will align with the current intake cycle, and that's okay. We hold all expressions of interests and application and will be in touch when the right placement opportunity opens up.

ELIGABILITY CRITERIA

❋ Secondee Eligibility

To be eligible to participate as a secondee in the Ulare Secondment Program, secondees must:

  • Be a current employee of one of the following eligible workplace types:

  • An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) or other Aboriginal community-controlled organisations governed and operated by Aboriginal communities.

  • A South Australian public sector agency. Participation is limited to direct public sector employees. Contractors or consultants engaged by public sector agencies are not eligible to participate.

  • Obtain endorsement and approval from their employing workplace before applying.

❋ Host Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in the Ulare Secondment Program, host workplaces must:

  • Be one of the following eligible workplace types:

  • An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and other Aboriginal community-controlled organisations governed and operated by Aboriginal communities.

  • A South Australian public sector agency. Participation is limited to direct public sector employees. Contractors or consultants engaged by public sector agencies are not eligible to participate.

  • Provide meaningful, project-based placement opportunities aligned to organisation priorities and agreed placement outcomes.

  • Not use placements to supplement ongoing operational workforce shortages or replace existing workforce requirements.

  • Maintain compliance with relevant Work Health and Safety legislation and provide a safe working environment for secondees.

  • Maintain appropriate insurance coverage applicable to the placement activities and organisation environment for the duration of the placement.

Ready to get started?

Submit an expression of interest now.

Host EOI Form
Secondee EOI Form

PROGRAM FAQ’S

  • The Ulare Secondment Program is a South Australian Public Sector ACCO secondment program that connects public sector employees with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations through structured, project-based placements.

    Delivered by MTL Consulting Services in partnership with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE), the program supports growth through shared learning and meaningful cross-sector partnerships.

  • The Ulare Secondment Program is for:

    • South Australian public sector employees interested in a placement with an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO)

    • Employees of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations interested in a placement within a South Australian Government agency.

    • South Australian public sector agencies and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations that have identified project-based work suited to a secondment placement

  • The purpose of the Ulare Secondment Program is to strengthen the Aboriginal community-controlled sector and support improved public sector practice through shared learning and growth through practical, project-based placements.

  • Placement durations are flexible and agreed between the participant and host organisation, depending on the scope and needs of the project. As a guide, placements are typically a minimum of four weeks and may extend up to six months.

  • Matching is undertaken by the MTL program team in consultation with host organisations and potential participants. Matches are based on:

    • The host organisation’s stated priorities and project needs

    • The participant’s skills, experience, availability and readiness

    • Cultural safety considerations and organisational fit

  • Submission of an application does not guarantee participation. Applications are assessed based on:

    • Eligibility and readiness assessment

    • Availability of suitable host organisations or participants

    • Host organisation consent

    • Not all applicants will be progressed, and some may be considered for a future intake to ensure strong alignment and program outcomes.

  • The Ulare Secondment Program is designed to support self-determination by ensuring Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations maintain control over their participation and how placements are delivered.

    This includes:

    • Choosing whether and how they participate

    • Defining the scope, priorities and pace of the placement

    • Setting cultural protocols and ways of working

    • Importantly, the program does not require host organisations to adapt to government ways of working.

  • The program is delivered across South Australia and is not limited to metropolitan locations. Placement arrangements are flexible and can be tailored to suit regional and remote contexts.

  • The Ulare Secondment Program is a structured, two-way secondment model aligned to Priority Reform 2 of the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, with a focus on strengthening the Aboriginal community-controlled sector.

    Placements are developed in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and supported by flexible delivery, clear workplans and ongoing support to ensure meaningful and practical outcomes.

  • The program is open to South Australian public sector employees and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. Eligibility is subject to employment status, organisational suitability and readiness assessment during the intake process.

  • Participants and hosts are supported through onboarding, regular check-ins and access to responsive support from the program team.

    Support includes practical guidance, resources and clear pathways to address issues early and maintain alignment throughout the placement.

  • There are no direct costs for eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations or participating public sector employees.

    Public sector agencies contribute to program delivery through agreed arrangements.

  • Cultural safety is supported throughout the placement lifecycle through clear expectations, culturally informed onboarding and ongoing support.

    If an issue arises, it is addressed early through respectful discussion and support from the program team. MTL works with participants and host organisations to understand the context, provide guidance and agree on appropriate actions.

    Where required, matters may be escalated in line with the program’s support and escalation pathways to ensure they are managed appropriately, respectfully and in a way that maintains placement continuity.

  • The Ulare Secondment Program is supported through a partnership with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE), with participation by public sector agencies contributing to program delivery.

    The model is structured to minimise financial barriers for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, supporting broad and accessible participation.

  • The Ulare Privacy Policy outlines how MTL Consulting Services collects, manages and uses data throughout the program.

    Information is collected to support program delivery, participant support, reporting and continuous improvement. De-identified data, website analytics and feedback may be shared with OCPSE through regular program reporting to monitor outcomes and ensure program objectives are met.

  • Participation in the Ulare Secondment Program does not create any ongoing obligation between the host organisation and government.

    It does not:

    • Create a funding obligation

    • Commit the organisation to future partnerships

    • Require ongoing engagement after the placement

    Any future engagement occurs only by mutual agreement.

  • All placements are supported with a Placement Workplan, at times there may be changes during the placement period, for example where:

    • The host organisation’s priorities shift

    • Initial assumptions prove unrealistic

    • A different approach is needed for cultural, operational or wellbeing reasons

    Any changes will be reviewed and discussed with the host organisation, secondee participant and the program team, any changes are documented as part of ongoing placement support.