We are charting a course that acknowledges where we’ve been, understands where we are now, and knows where we want to be – working together in the spirit of reconciliation. 

Below are some of the achievements we’ve made, many in collaboration with our growing network, during our initial Reflect RAP.

Learn more about our infographic (text description)

At AMSA, we are chartering a course that acknowledges where we've been, understands where we are, and knows where we want to be - in the spirit of reconciliation.

Our infographic is an indigenous design artwork that visually shows the timeline of AMSA’s journey of reconciliation. Nine stepping stones represent each step in our journey.

1. Our reconciliation journey began in 2022 with Reflect RAP...
2. Appointed a dedicated Safety Liaison Advisor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters.
3. Participated in National Reconciliation Week NAIDOC Week and implemented cultural awareness training for staff.
4. Procured $2 million of goods and services through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
5. Launched new artwork on Cairns-based Challenger aircraft and donated Yawkyawk artwork to the International Maritime Organisation.
6. Launched targeted educational programs for First Nations seafarers.
7. Participated in Jawun APS Secondment Program, providing 240 hours of service to a First Nations community.
8. Advanced maritime safety in the Torres Strait through the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program.
9. Our Innovate RAP will see us take the next step in our journey to reconciliation.

The infographic includes an image of Aboriginal flag, Torres Strait Islander flag and banner image from Diversity Council Australia 'Proud to be an inclusive employer 2023-2024'.

Lessons from our Reflect RAP

We acknowledge that reconciliation is a learning process, resulting from the challenges in implementing a meaningful and dynamic RAP. Here are our key insights that were incorporated into our Innovate RAP:

Relationships

Insight: We are much more successful when we network and learn from the expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. The value of partnership and collaboration cannot be overstated.

Solution: Further establishing connections with community organisations could assist with increasing employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within AMSA. There is still room to deepen partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

Respect

Insight: We should further explore cultural awareness training and opportunities, based on the success of immersive cultural experiences such as the Jawun APS Secondment Program.

Solution: Ongoing organisation-wide training would promote a more inclusive work environment. This includes taking steps to preserve and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, cultures, and histories in our maritime activities.

Opportunities

Insight: Managers are keen to support but do not feel equipped.    

Solution: We should consider developing a manager's toolkit for reconciliation.

Insight: There is enormous interest, enthusiasm, and participation across AMSA for reconciliation initiatives, and we can leverage this further.

Solution: A staff engagement strategy or AMSA reconciliation network could facilitate organisation-wide participation and engagement, while ensuring a manageable Reconciliation Working Group.

Governance

Insight: There is a need to review and develop strategies to meet our HR reconciliation targets. The Reflect RAP has laid a solid foundation, but a focus on measurable outcomes will be critical.

Solution: Our RAP’s can be effectively supported by individual strategic workforce management, staff engagement, procurement, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Insight: There is no budget for RAP-specific activities or expenses. It is difficult to track financially based reconciliation metrics.

Solution: Incorporating the RAP within organisational budgets within the chart of accounts. More efficient reporting mechanisms could improve RAP governance and transparency.