The Department of Health and Human Services has transferred decision-making powers for an Aboriginal Child on a Children's Court Protection Order to the Aboriginal CEO of an Aboriginal Organisation (VACCA). This is to support self-determination within the Aboriginal Community so that the child's cultural needs are better served.
- The Secretary may in writing authorise the principal officer of an Aboriginal agency to perform specified functions and exercise specified powers conferred on the Secretary by or under this Act in relation to a protection order in respect of an Aboriginal child.
- An authorisation under this section may only be made with the agreement of the Aboriginal agency and the principal officer.
- The principal officer may only be authorised if he or she is an Aboriginal person.
- Before giving an authorisation, the Secretary must have regard to any view expressed by the child and the parent of the child if those views can be reasonably obtained.
- On an authorisation being given, this Act applies in relation to the performance of the specified function or the exercise of the specified power as if the principal officer were the Secretary.
- The Secretary may at any time in writing revoke an authorisation under this section and on that revocation the Secretary may continue and complete any action commenced under the authorisation by the principal officer.