Why an up-to-date Reconciliation Action Plan matters

IEUA QNT’s RAP cover features artwork by Tamara Piva, IEU-QNT Indigenous Excellence in Art Design Award recipient

Implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a genuine and effective way for schools and unions to foster and support Australia’s national reconciliation movement.

Reconciliation aims to promote and facilitate respect, trust and positive relationships between First Nations Peoples and the wider Australian community.

A RAP provides a framework for organisations to implement so they may take actionable steps towards achieving reconciliation.

At its AGM in 2020, the IEUA NSW/ACT Branch resolved to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This resolution provided the catalyst for shifting the focus onto the organisation and its structures. The Branch committed to reconciliation by developing a RAP, overseen by its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

This phase of the IEUA NSW/ACT Branch’s reconciliation journey will turn good intentions into measurable actions that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve equality. Key components of the Branch’s RAP are Relationships, Respect and Opportunities. Practical steps are already underway to achieve aspects of these components.

IEU-QNT launched its latest RAP earlier this year. It aims to close the industrial gap for First Nations education workers in Queensland and Northern Territory non-government schools. IEU Branch Secretary and RAP caretaker Terry Burke said the new document built on the union’s previous reconciliation work.

“We commence this RAP in a spirit of sincere hope that we might work with our First Nations members and Elders to ensure that First Nations histories, cultures and perspectives are assigned value in education systems, policies and processes and that those systems, policies and processes are enacted in ways that ensure continuity of the oldest living culture on the planet,” Burke said.

“Our organisation is proud to have progressed through two previous Innovate RAPs and even more proud that we have established strong, constructive relationships with our First Nations members and other reconciliation stakeholders,” he said.

The Innovate level RAP will operate throughout 2023 and 2024 and outlines the IEU-QNT’s actions for achieving its vision for reconciliation.

The new RAP contains two significant features our union is committed to: Closing the Industrial Gap for First Nations education workers and protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).

The RAP was drafted after extensive consultation and input from the IEU-QNT Yubbah Action Group, which is the working group comprised of First Nations IEU members who oversee the implementation and monitor the progress of the RAP.

IEU-QNT teacher member and Yubbah Action Group member Barbara Dewis said our union had come a long way in terms of reconciliation.

“The RAP symbolises the commitment to reconciliation of First Nations Peoples with the wider community to build relationships and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture steeped in tradition,” Barbara said.

We commence this RAP in a spirit of sincere hope that we might work with our First Nations members and Elders to ensure that First Nations histories, cultures and perspectives are assigned value in education systems,policies and processes and that those systems, policies and processes are enacted inways that ensure continuity of the oldest living culture on the planet.

“Having a RAP in place enhances further awareness of culture and understanding for all members to be comfortable in addressing concerns and issues that will and can affect First Nations Peoples.

“The IEU Victoria Tasmania’s (VicTas) RAP was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in August 2020.

It outlines goals and actions the union can take to be better allies and to better support its First Nations members. The RAP process led to the development of a First Nations Allies Group among staff, which has met regularly to drive the union’s support for Indigenous educators and the Voice to Parliament Yes vote campaign.

The Vic Tas RAP acknowledged that the union was in the initial stages of its reconciliation journey and “we want and need to do more”.

“We have connected with other branches of the IEU nationally, some of whom have begun their reconciliation journey and have completed RAPs,” Secretary David Brear said.

“This connection has led to a strengthening of our understanding and ability to seek support from colleagues who understand the impact this journey is having on our members and students,” Brear said.