Reconciliation Action Plans are shown to be effective in tackling workplace racism, according to new evidence to be heard at the federal Inquiry into Racism, Hatred and Violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The findings are contained in the Centre for Indigenous People and Work’s (CIPW) 10 Truths about Reconciliation Action Plans report, drawing on the national Gari Yala 2 (Speak the Truth) study of more than 1,100 Indigenous workers.
The report distils ten key insights comparing workplaces with and without RAPs, providing one of the clearest evidence bases to date on how they impact everyday experiences of racism at work.
Four of the truths directly relate to reducing racism, hatred and violence, and will be cited when Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine gives evidence at the inquiry tomorrow.
- Half (50%) of Indigenous workers in RAP organisations rarely or never experience racism, compared to 36% elsewhere.
- Indigenous workers in RAP organisations are more likely to report culturally safe environments (43% vs 37%)
- RAP organisations are more than three times as likely to have both an anti-racism complaints process and training (34% vs 10%)
The truths also show that organisations with RAPs are more likely to strengthen career pathways for Indigenous employees and reduce the burden of unpaid cultural labour.
CIPW Director Professor Nareen Young said the report comes at a crucial moment in the national debate about reconciliation.
‘Recent critics of Reconciliation Action Plans are ignoring a central truth,’ Professor Young said.
‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers themselves are telling us that RAPs are working to reduce racism and make them feel safer at work.
‘RAPs are not a silver bullet, but they are one of the most practical tools we have to drive change in workplaces.
‘For employers, the key takeaway is that expanding the reach, quality and ambition of RAPs is one of the most effective ways to build fairer, more inclusive workplaces.’
Ahead of her appearance at the inquiry, Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine said the findings highlights the role RAPs play in addressing racism at a structural level.
‘RAPs help organisations move from symbolic recognition to meaningful, accountable action,’ Ms Mundine said.
‘They provide a clear framework for embedding anti-racism into policies, practices and organisational culture, which is essential if we are serious about addressing racism in Australia.
‘We must look beyond rhetoric and embrace evidence, and these 10 truths provide strong evidence for what helps fight racism in the workplace.’
Professor Young said the inquiry represents an opportunity to refocus the national conversation around what works.
We now have clear evidence that RAPs, when done properly, deliver better outcomes,’ she said.
‘The important thing is to continue to make sure they are meaningful, accountable and embedded in everyday practice.
‘If we are serious about tackling racism, we need to listen to what our people are telling us, and back in what’s working for them.’
To view the full 10 Truths about Reconciliation Action Plans report, visit the Gari Yala 2 page on the CIPW website.
