Unveiling our next Reconciliation Action Plan May 2024 – May 2026

We are thrilled to announce the unveiling of our next Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) May 2024 – May 2026.

Our vision for reconciliation is that our workplace, along with the broader construction industry, embraces unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous. We envision a workplace and supply chain that is inclusive and celebrates a richly diverse and proud culture. For us, this looks like unity and equality within our workplace, and throughout our supply chain.

Working alongside Reconciliation Australia, our next RAP has been crafted to build upon the foundations of our first endeavours, marking a pivotal moment in this transformative journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Progress & achievements so far…

Our reconciliation journey since our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) from Sept 2021 to Sept 2023 has involved fostering relationships, commemorating National Reconciliation Week (NRW) and NAIDOC Week, implementing cultural appreciation training, adopting anti-discrimination strategies, and collaborating with organisations such as Supply Nation and Reconciliation NSW. We have remained committed to our RAP objectives, closely monitoring progress, and engaging with various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups for potential opportunities. Furthermore, we have supported Indigenous education and businesses by sponsoring awards at Western Sydney University, hiring an Indigenous award recipient as an onsite Cadet, and investing $5 million in Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander services and products over the two-year period.

What’s next?

Our second Innovate RAP underscores vital components for success we’ve identified from our learnings through our first RAP: a passionate and dedicated Reconciliation Champion for the business, a streamlined working group (6-7 members), and the involvement of senior decision-makers. Also, recognising the need for deeper insight, we have included the introduction of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant.

Relationships

These commitments encompass various initiatives. We are actively evolving our engagement activities with stakeholders into partnerships, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections. Additionally, we are dedicated to participating in National Reconciliation Week events. Collaboration with Reconciliation organisations is a key aspect of our approach, ensuring alignment with best practices and shared goals. Furthermore, we prioritise education on racism, providing valuable insights to senior leaders to foster a culture of inclusivity and understanding. To facilitate ongoing learning and support, we will also initiate an intranet resource centre for staff, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to contribute to our collective journey towards positive change.

Respect

Our RAP outlines how we’ll deepen our cultural understanding and respect within our business, by incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisor into our working group, developing a comprehensive cultural learning strategy, providing formal education opportunities, and including cultural protocols into organisational practices. Key actions also involve inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives to events, integrating cultural acknowledgments, and promoting staff participation in external Indigenous events like NAIDOC Week.

Opportunities

We aim to enhance the representation and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through continually assessing current staffing levels to inform future planning, engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and consultants to develop recruitment and retention strategies, alongside implementing a comprehensive recruitment, retention, and professional development plan. Additionally, procurement strategies will continue to be improved to create opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses through Supply Nation.

Governance

Building upon the framework of the exiting RAP Working Group, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative will be appointed to the group to guide strategies with first-hand cultural understanding.  Existing tracking and reporting mechanisms will be implemented into our everyday project management and reporting tools, reviewed regularly, and aligned with Reconciliation Australia’s guidelines, including participating in the annual RAP Impact Survey.