Over 1,100 organisations in Australia have formalised their commitment to reconciliation through a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) according to Reconciliation Australia. October marks Indigenous Business Month so does it also mark a time for your business to consider developing a RAP?
Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs have provided organisations the framework to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation since 2006.
RAPs come in four different types; Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate, each marking a different stage and development of a business’ reconciliation journey. RAP consultant and CEO of Activateone, Thomas Holden, says RAPs connect businesses to traditional owners and excels and builds the capacity of the local community.
“If you’re able to put a salary within an Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander household, you will change lives,” Thomas explains.
“We look at a whole range of things that need to be achieved, such as First Nations employment targets and how to deliver on them as well as giving corporate companies the opportunity to commit to their communities.”
Locally owned and operated mechanical and electrical services company, Peak ARE have begun their journey towards reconciliation with their Reflect RAP, acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures are the oldest surviving cultures in the world and aim to create a culture of respect within their organisation.
“At Peak ARE we are committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island employment in the North Queensland region,” Peak ARE’s owner, Brad Swaffer, says.
“We have forged a relationship with external First Nations recruitment company On Common Country to develop our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island organisational talent pipeline.”
Data from the 2016 Census shows that around 41% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Townsville region were not engaged in any kind of employment, training, or education. Thomas says RAPs can help a business make meaningful steps to empower First Nations people to take up opportunities within their organisation, especially when senior executives are invested.
“If the leadership is driving a Reconciliation Action Plan, that means their company is in a position to give back to community,” Thomas says.
“Building the capacity of an Indigenous household within this community is the way of the future.”
Peak ARE’s RAP, developed with Thomas’ guidance, includes clear and measurable targets to lift Indigenous participation within the business. One such goal is a commitment to respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships with First Nations Peoples. Brad says Peak ARE, as an organisation, aspires to embed reconciliation across the business and within their partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors.
“As a team, we are committed to investing in our own learning and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples within our community and to maintaining the long journey of our engagement into the future.”
More information about RAPs and how to get started is available at the Reconciliation Australia website.
Images supplied by Peak ARE.
