It is with tremendous optimism that Slattery announces the release of our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, ‘Innovate’.
Our Plan represents a formalised commitment to support the national reconciliation movement, driving our contribution both internally and within the communities in which we operate. Our plan has stemmed from reflections on our efforts in reconciliation. Whilst we can comfortably acknowledge our prior efforts, we recognise the need for a proper framework to contribute most effectively to a reconciled Australia.
Since 1976, we have committed to our vision of creating better outcomes for communities through the built environment. However, we are late in paying authentic homage to First Nations peoples as the true caretakers of our land.
Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia where the Traditional Owners of the land are widely represented throughout the property and construction industry. Our Innovate RAP is an opportunity for us to provide empowering, meaningful opportunities for First Nations peoples. We will contribute to a built environment which holistically recognises, respects, and upholds the cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples.
Karen Mundine, Reconciliation Australia CEO said, “This Innovate RAP is both an opportunity and an invitation for Slattery to expand its understanding of its core strengths and deepen its relationship with its community, staff, and stakeholders.”
“By investigating and understanding the integral role it plays across its sphere of influence, Slattery will create dynamic reconciliation outcomes, supported by and aligned with its business objectives.”
The RAP program frames reconciliation into four pillars – relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance. This highlights the necessity of consulting and collaborating with First Nations people and communities, while empowering and enabling staff to drive change. Our internal RAP Working Group comprises several dedicated individuals with distinguished leadership skills, integral for guiding our wider workforce through this journey.
We acknowledge the unfortunate prominence of performative activism and the tendency for such commitments to be tokenistic. As such, we pledge to build accountability and transparency by reporting RAP achievements, challenges, and learnings.
On achieving the endorsement, Managing Director Sarah Slattery stated “Slattery is delighted to be taking a step in the right direction for reconciliation. Whilst we are proud to be industry leaders in diversity and inclusion, utilising our position to make amends with First Nations Australians has been a long time coming. I am elated to see Slattery achieve the endorsement of our ‘Innovate’ plan – the first Quantity Surveying firm in Australia to do so.”
Slattery expresses our deepest gratitude to Yemurraki Egan. A proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba and Guditjmara Man, Yemma joined Slattery’s RAP Working Group as First Nations representative. Throughout the 18-month drafting process, Yemma regularly reviewed our document, providing invaluable advice and suggestions to ensure the utmost cultural sensitivity.
We also thank Reconciliation Australia for providing us with this incredible opportunity. We are deeply appreciative for the guidance, review, and endorsement.
Slattery are humbled to be taking our first official steps on a crucial journey.
To find our more about our Reconciliation Action Plan, please get in touch with Sarah Slattery sarah.slattery@slattery.com.au or Belinda Coates Belinda.coates@slattery.com.au
