Reconciliation Australia has proudly endorsed the 300th Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) launched by GrainCorp, Australia’s largest listed agribusiness, at a special function in Sydney.
Reconciliation Australia CEO Leah Armstrong said the growth of the RAP program is ensuring that more businesses are creating sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The RAP program is about building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding,” she said.
“This culture of respect is creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel welcomed and supported—and it’s leading to better outcomes for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and businesses.
“We’re very excited to launch our 300th RAP and are looking forward to partnering with GrainCorp—a leading agribusiness with such a strong rural footprint.”
According the RAP Impact Measurement Report, released last month, more than 1.6 million Australians work or study in an organisation that has a RAP.
GrainCorp CEO Alison Watkins said their RAP will enable them to increase their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee targets.
“For GrainCorp, having a Reconciliation Action Plan simply makes good business sense,” Ms Watkins said.
“We’re proud of the relationships we have built with Aboriginal communities throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and we want to build these relationships to create more opportunities.” Since the launch of the RAP program in 2006, RAP organisations have committed to creating 21,000 jobs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with nearly 14,000 positions already filled.
The program has also generated $26 million worth of business for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and suppliers.
