Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to recommit to achieving genuine and sustainable reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community in Australia.
The company’s new Innovate RAP 2020-2022 has remained at the second of four RAP levels to continue work towards strengthening relationships with individuals, communities and suppliers to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As one of the first defence prime contractors to join the RAP program in 2017, BDA has made significant in-roads across education, supply chain and in fostering an inclusive workplace.
To date, BDA has spent more than $16 million with Indigenous suppliers over nine years, and partnerships with Supply Nation and the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium are helping to strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability.
In addition, BDA has introduced cultural training for leaders and four volunteer Indigenous Liaison Officers to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, provide guidance on Indigenous matters and help advance an inclusive work culture.
The company is also fostering diversity and inclusion through a range of school education programs and university and trade scholarships, and has partnered with the Clontarf Foundation to assist young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to achieve their best-possible life outcomes.
“Boeing’s commitment to developing and sustaining positive relationships with the communities in which it operates is a global one. An inclusive work environment makes us better; diversity and Inclusion are our enduring values and this is part of the culture we are dedicated to building,” said Scott Carpendale, BDA’s vice president and managing director.
“In Australia, we are particularly focused on developing strong relationships, demonstrating respect and creating opportunities for the original inhabitants and Traditional Owners of this continent.
“BDA is also committed to increasing the diversity in our supply chain. We need more capable, innovative and agile local companies to help us deliver critical Australian industry capability to the Australian Defence Force, and our Indigenous-owned businesses are up to the task.”
Delivered by Reconciliation Australia, the RAP program helps organisations like BDA to implement practical actions which build respectful relationships and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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This article was first published by Boeing, and was reposted with permission.
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