Our reconciliation journey is a voyage charted with purpose, through the waters of insight towards a horizon of unity and respect.
It’s a passage that goes beyond policies and protocols, reaching into the soul of our shared Australian story.
Our map is drawn with respect, and every nautical mile traversed brings us closer to the shores of empathy and appreciation. At AMSA, every voice matters; every experience adds depth and breadth to our shared understanding.
With respect and curiosity, we are committed to a course that acknowledges where we’ve been, understands where we are now, and knows where we want to be —where the healing waters of reconciliation cleanse our path and the waves of the future propel us forward.
Water is life to all peoples and so, too, caring for Country must include the marine environment. Indeed, our vision of ‘safe and clean seas, saving lives’ aligns with the important roles that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples already undertake in caring for our sea, coasts, and air.
We recognise the value of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for better recognising and protecting the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Innovate RAP is consistent with the principles of UNDRIP; particularly the importance of consulting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on decisions affecting them and that respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ knowledge, cultures, and traditional practices contributes to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment.
AMSA contributes to an Australia that is just, equitable and reconciled. We will achieve this via our RAPs. This Innovate RAP is an important step forward in the agency’s diversity and inclusion work, establishing opportunities for all employees to participate, contribute, and engage.
Shared value
In her address to the Australian Parliament, Leah Armstrong*, noted that a RAP is most successful when it is supported by a strong business case that articulates the business benefits in terms of shared value. We have identified the ways in which reconciliation aligns with our vision and strategic goals, as well as the mutual benefits that arise in the form of shared value.
Our reconciliation business case: Strategic alignment and shared benefits
| Reconciliation element | Strategic alignment | Value to AMSA | Value to First Nations People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Race relations | Collaboration and consultation Safe and clean seas, saving lives | Improving safety for First Nations DCV operators (at sea and inland waters) | |
Reduce risk of stakeholder relationship failure (cost and reputational risk)
| A positive experience with a government agency
| ||
| Equality and equity | Diversity and inclusion Reflecting our community | Improves diversity, engagement and realisation of people's potential | Employment and career opportunities Closing the gap for First Nations People |
| Unity | Collaboration and consultation Building trust | Sharing in national identity Elimination of racism and discrimination | A respectful and welcoming workplace Shared respect, meaning and knowledge |
| Historical acceptance | Safe and clean seas, as Country | Insight from First Nation's knowledge Respectful foundation for relationships | Collaborative co-custodianship of Sea Country |
| Institutional integrity | Dedicated, accountable Trusted advisor and regulator | Accountability and stewardship Leading by example | First Nations People and communities can trust AMSA |
-----
*Armstrong, L. 2016. Reconciliation Action Plans – Creating shared value. Presentation to the Parliament of Australia. URL: Reconciliation Action Plans—Creating Shared Value – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)