Since the 2012 release of The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) many regional Government contracts now require demonstrated commitment to indigenous employment inclusion.

Developed by the Department of Human Services this initiative is aimed at working collaboratively to engage, employ and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This standard will offer clients third party review of Aboriginal Participation Plans, while providing Government agencies with the confidence that contractors have successfully implemented the required policies and procedures.

Under the plan, service providers are required to:

• Meet agreed Aboriginal participation targets and report on the delivery of Aboriginal development outcomes;
• Seek to use service providers with a commitment and demonstrated ability to effectively plan and implement Aboriginal participation appropriate to the needs of the service provider, the project and employees.

Further information including guidelines, templates and checklists can be found at the link below.