Our Reconciliation Action Plan

This is our first Reconciliation Action Plan as the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. We have chosen to develop an Innovate RAP as we have matured programs and policies that deliver socio-economic, education and employment outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities.

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We recognise that there is still more work to be done, and this RAP represents our commitment to deepening our impact and driving change. Through this RAP, our actions will achieve meaningful progress towards reconciliation and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This RAP focuses on strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples, including through the programs and services we administer for individuals; promoting reconciliation and positive cultural relations; being culturally responsive; and supporting and growing our First Nations workforce.

Jason Stott, First Assistant Secretary, Pacific Labour Operations, is our RAP Champion and will lead advocacy for the RAP both within the department and externally

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group

We established a RAP Working Group to co-design the development of this RAP and it comprised members of staff from across the country, at various classifications and included both Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees.

The department extends its gratitude to the members of our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group for their contributions.

  • Jason Stott (Chair), First Assistant Secretary (FAS)
  • Aaron Russell, Advisor
  • Alistair Beasley, Assistant Secretary
  • Angelique Davis, Indigenous Liaison Officer
  • Caitlin Hanvey, Assistant Director
  • Carmel Geier, Program Officer
  • Carmen Mendel, Assistant Director
  • Connor Crouch, Program Officer
  • Cris Castro, Assistant Secretary
  • Daniel Conte, Economist
  • Dianne Clare, Senior Delivery and Engagement Officer
  • Helen Gladman, Assistant Director
  • Jan Lewis, Assistant Director
  • Jane Stoddart, Assistant Director
  • Janine Culnane, Senior Program Delivery Officer
  • Jessica Farmer, Assistant Director
  • Jo Verden, State Manager
  • Kelly Drury, Assistant Director
  • Lynn Rackley, Diversity and Inclusion Officer
  • Macarena Ortega, Delivery and Engagement Officer
  • Mark Gradidge, Employment Services Officer
  • Martin Spindler, Assistant Director
  • Mary Cripps, Assistant Director
  • Melanie Harwood, Assistant Director
  • Michelle Reid, Senior Compliance Officer
  • Paul Tily, Corporate Support Officer
  • Polly Kretschmer, Indigenous Liaison Officer
  • Vicky Xirakis, Assistant Director
  • Ying-Cheng Chang, Evaluation and Data Analyst

With the support of our RAP Working Group members, a RAP Implementation Oversight Committee has been established to oversee the full implementation of our deliverables and actions as detailed throughout this RAP. Our RAP Implementation Group comprises both Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives from across the department and is proudly sponsored by our Reconciliation Champion.

As part of our vision for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, we are committed to embracing First Nations perspectives and expertise. This includes supporting strategic alignment across initiatives that contribute to the Closing the Gap and ensuring our internal and external policies and programs reflect this commitment—including through the implementation of this RAP.

Our RAP is set against the three pillars of:

  1. Relationships, as these lie at the heart of reconciliation between the broader Australian community and First Nations peoples.
  2. Respect, which acknowledges that ongoing cultural learning increases understanding of and support for truth-telling over time.
  3. Opportunities, recognising that First Nations peoples’ equal and equitable participation in a range of life opportunities is crucial to reconciliation.

The deliverables will be action orientated and measurable, underpinned with commitment to accountability and integrity.

This RAP, developed under Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Framework, supports the department’s broader commitments, including elements of the department’s Closing the Gap Strategy 2024 – 2027 which will deliver, through partnerships with First Nations peoples, positive socio-economic, education and employment outcomes. DEWR contributes to 7 of the 17 socio-economic outcomes of the National Agreement which are:

  • Outcome 5: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieve their full potential.
  • Outcome 6: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full potential through further education pathways.
  • Outcome 7: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are engaged in employment or education.
  • Outcome 8: Strong economic participation and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
  • Outcome 10: Adults are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system.
  • Outcome 11: Young people are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system.
  • Outcome 14: People enjoy high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.

Both the RAP and the Closing the Gap Strategy represent comprehensive approaches to advancing reconciliation. The RAP establishes a structured framework that guides reconciliation efforts not only within the organisation but also across its broader sphere of influence, including stakeholders, partners, clients, and the wider community. Concurrently, the Closing the Gap Strategy reinforces national accountability. Together, these aligned initiatives ensure that our reconciliation efforts are consistent with national priorities and contribute to enduring, meaningful change for First Nations peoples.