Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) and reconciliation strategies

Embedding reconciliation actions into strategic documents is a useful mechanism for creating strategic direction and organisational commitment. It also provides a clear signal of intent to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members. A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides a national framework for progressing organisational reconciliation. An internally developed strategy or policy documents can provide a similar framework. Accountability and transparency of actions is key to success.

For Local Government, it provides a clear commitment to your community and team you are prioritising reconciliation. It makes your commitment public and creates accountability within the national RAP framework, led by Reconciliation Australia.

Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs)

Reconciliation Action Plans detail specific actions, targets, and timelines for enhancing engagement, promoting cultural awareness, and improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities. The Reconciliation Australia RAP framework utilises the three core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities for implementing reconciliation initiatives built within a governance and reporting framework in the workplace. Read more about the five dimensions of Reconciliation in the State of Reconciliation in Australia Report.

Developing a RAP is a collaborative partnership with Reconciliation Australia. There are four types of RAPs – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate. Reconciliation Australia provides tools, guidelines, timeframes and feedback throughout the process.

Reconciliation WA can also provide support with achieving outcomes and networking opportunities with other Local Governments and organisations on a similar RAP journey through the Reconciliation Industry Network Groups (RINGs). Reconciliation WA hosts workshops to build connected and informed communities and to support advancing reconciliation initiatives and actions.

Reconciliation strategies

Local Reconciliation Strategies can reflect the individual needs of a Local Government around the intent and commitment of advancing reconciliation and Aboriginal relationships. Local Governments can adopt community engagement frameworks that emphasise inclusive, transparent and respectful engagement with Aboriginal communities. These frameworks should outline best practices for consultation, feedback mechanisms, and reporting. The Shire of Augusta Margaret River and the City of Canning are just two examples of local governments who have developed reconciliation strategies.

Placed-based reconciliation initiatives can provide a collective approach at the local or regional level. This approach has been piloted in the Great Southern with Reconciliation Australia and Reconciliation WA.

Achieving reconciliation strategies and RAP outcomes can be further supported by building reconciliation actions into other strategic documents and supporting reconciliation initiatives both within your community and state-wide, such as National Reconciliation Week.

It is best practice to seek Aboriginal community engagement when developing a RAP or alternative Reconciliation Strategy. An Aboriginal Advisory Group can provide a useful governance across Local Government decision making.