BHP has released its latest Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which was developed in partnership with First Nations representatives, such as Traditional Owner groups, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and communities.
The RAP outlines the company’s approach to respectful engagement and agreement-making, cultural understanding, economic and community development, and advocacy to advance national reconciliation and the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The new RAP was developed through an extensive consultation process involving nine forums over eight months held across every region BHP operates in, with approximately 1,000 internal and external partners across Australia.
BHP Australia’s President, Geraldine Slattery, said BHP is humbled and grateful for the commitment that so many people made to share their time and voices.
“This Reconciliation Action Plan is intended to capture the essence of those voices and support ongoing partnerships based on trust and mutual benefit,” Ms Slattery said.
“We know this is only one step forward in a long journey towards reconciliation, and that we have our own important role to play in acknowledging the past, understanding the present and creating a shared vision for the future.”
The Reconciliation Action Plan 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2027 has been recognised with ‘Elevate’ status from Reconciliation Australia, which is provided to organisations with a proven track record in respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and taking a leadership role to advance national reconciliation and create a more equitable Australia.
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive, Karen Mundine, said Elevate RAP organisations are expected to be key leaders of the reconciliation movement, committed to driving systemic change at scale.
“BHP has met this expectation; not just in the actions within their successive RAPs but most recently in the process of the latest RAP’s creation.”
BHP hosted an event at Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park) in Perth to recognise and thank the many people who contributed to the RAP, including representatives from Traditional Owner groups in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, along with national Indigenous peak bodies and business, social and investment partners.
BHP was the first corporate partner of Reconciliation Australia in 2002, and published its first RAP in 2007.
