Defence launches new Reconciliation Action Plan

THE Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester today launched the fourth Defence Reconciliation Action Plan.

Mr Chester said the Defence Reconciliation Action Plan (D-RAP) 2019-2022 outlines Defence’s commitment to reconciliation and aligns with the Whole of Government ‘Closing the Gap’ strategy.

“Defence is already a leader in Indigenous employment and procurement, and the D-RAP 2019-2022 presents an opportunity to continue our contribution towards reconciliation,” Mr Chester said.

The focus for the D-RAP 2019-2022 is to enhance Defence’s cultural awareness and improve the retention and career development opportunities for Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel.

“Having reached our previous targets, Defence has now committed to an Indigenous representation target of three per cent by 2022 for the Australian Public Service workforce, and five per cent by 2025 for the Australian Defence Force in the D-RAP 2019-2022,” Mr Chester said.

Defence launched its first D-RAP in 2007, which focused on cultural awareness, recruitment and retention, and land and environmental management. Since then there have been two further editions, each with unique strategic goals. 

The D-RAP 2019-2022 is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/APSCareers/Indigenous/DRAP.asp.

Imagery will be available at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20191924