Reconciliation: reflection and next steps

At TAL, we’re focused on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We do this through the work of our TAL Community Foundation and our diversity, equity and inclusion partnerships. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides a structured way of strategically and sustainably taking meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, and overseen by Reconciliation Australia, RAPs allow organisations to formalise and provide tangible benefits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

RAP frameworks consist of four levels – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate. This allows organisation to continuously develop their reconciliation commitments. In September, TAL completed the delivery of commitments from our first RAP which was at the Innovate level.  Although our reconciliation journey was already underway, our RAP demonstrated our ongoing commitment towards reconciliation in a defined way. We delivered a range of meaningful initiatives, focused on building relationships, creating a culturally safe workplace and exploring ways to contribute to better economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in what was a challenging year for reconciliation and First Nations communities.  

Growing respect 

At TAL, we strive to foster a workplace that encourages diversity and a culture that is inclusive of all people.  As part of our RAP, one of the key projects we strengthened is our cultural learning strategy.   Through this, we are engaging our people and enabling them to uplift their capability of inclusion and community perspectives to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose when they come to work.  To ensure First Nations perspectives are central to our cultural learning strategy, we work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander external consultants and partner organisations. 

Some of the other initiatives delivered in our first RAP include: 

• Co-designed an Indigenous employment strategy in collaboration with a First Nations consultancy partner. 
• Voluntary online cultural learning modules were completed by more than 1,000 TAL people. 
• Training and education provided on cultural protocols and the Voice referendum.   
• A range of opportunities for TAL people to immerse themselves in learning and culture during NAIDOC week and throughout the year. 

Creating tangible impact

One of the most tangible ways of creating impact comes from partnering with First Nations owned and/or operated businesses. Sebastian Shand, TAL Head of Procurement, Property and Premises says “Our procurement policy has been revised to include a specific commitment to increase the value of contracts with First Nations suppliers. In line with this, we increased our spend by 120% between our 2021 and 2022 financial years,” he said. “We’ve developed some enduring partnerships using Supply Nation’s extensive database of verified Indigenous businesses including architectural and interior design, consulting services and creative development.” 

Taking the next step 

We’re currently in the process of developing our second Innovate RAP. Planning has commenced and along with support from a First Nations partner, we’ll be conducting a period of reflection, development and engagement prior to launch early in 2024.

Get in touch to learn more

If you’re thinking about developing or building on your own RAP or would simply like to discuss initiatives for engagement, speak with your partnership manager who will put you in touch with our RAP Working Group team.