Reconciliation Action Plan
As part of a Commonwealth and State whole-of-government policy and in recognition of the importance in addressing the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians (including Torres Strait Islander people). the Department has been working to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
On Friday 13 March 2009 the Department officially launched the release of its Reconciliation Action Plan for 2008-2010 to help the Department promote reconciliation during this period, after which time a new RAP will be developed incorporating new initiatives from all areas across the Department.
The Department recognises that our position as a major Western Australian agency enables us to take a leading role in fostering reconciliation and are committed to:
- providing and promoting opportunities for Aboriginal participation and employment;
- raising awareness within our workforce of the experience of reconciliation; and
- influencing and participating in whole of government decisions to achieve Aboriginal equality.
The RAP ensures equal access to the Department's facilities, services and information is afforded to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the community.
The Department established a RAP Working Group to lead the development and deployment of the Department's RAP, identifying reconciliation initiatives in line with the key RAP elements – Relationships, Respect and Opportunities.
The RAP is a dynamic document, developed in consultation with staff across the Department within Operations Division, Strategic Corporate Support, Policy Group and Western Australian Planning Commission. The Plan includes actions that are unique to our business and services and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people who access those services, as well as focussing on employment opportunities and raising awareness of cultural diversity.
The RAP Working Group met fortnightly during the development stage and are now meeting on a quarterly basis to discuss and monitor its implementation throughout the Department, ensuring it remains relevant and is achieving its outcomes. The group will report its progress on a quarterly basis, review RAP annually and develop future plans for the Department.
Future Reconciliation Action Plans will further advance reconciliation through identifying longer term actions that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people achieving equality in all aspects of life.
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