Our Stretch RAP 2026–2029 marks a deliberate evolution in the NIAA’s reconciliation journey. Building on the foundations established through our inaugural 2022–2025 Stretch RAP, which focused on strengthening relationships, building cultural capability and embedding reconciliation within the Agency, this RAP shifts from a broad, activity-based approach to a smaller number of strategically focused commitments designed to drive system-level change. This reflects the maturity of our reconciliation practice and our responsibility to prioritise enduring impact over standalone actions.
As part of this approach, the commitments in this RAP align directly with the actions and change levers set out in the Priority Reforms Roadmap, with implementation and learning supported through the Priority Reforms Strategy as it is developed. Aligning the RAP in this way enables reconciliation to be embedded more directly into the NIAA’s core business and into the systems, behaviours and decision-making processes that shape government action. This approach strengthens accountability and sustained partnership and reinforces the NIAA’s role in leading and influencing reform across the Commonwealth.
While structured around the Priority Reforms, this RAP remains grounded in Reconciliation Australia’s pillars of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities. Strong, respectful relationships underpin how we listen, partner and deliver. Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and knowledges shapes our engagement and creates culturally safe environments. Our commitment to opportunity is reflected in how we embed equity and inclusion across employment, procurement and capability development. Together, these principles guide how the NIAA advances reconciliation while contributing to the shared commitment, between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Many of the practices commonly reflected in corporate and government Reconciliation Action Plans are already reflected in NIAA’s business-as-usual operations.
This includes observing and supporting cultural protocols such as Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country, celebrating National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, supporting truth-telling and healing initiatives, and investing in ongoing cultural capability and respectful workplace practices. These foundations underpin this Stretch RAP and are reflected throughout the document, including in Appendix A, which maps Reconciliation Australia’s pillars to NIAA’s core operations.
Find out more about how our work embeds Reconciliation Australia’s Pillars at the Appendix: Reconciliation Australia RAP Pillars as NIAA Core Deliverables.
“Reconciliation must shape the systems, behaviours and decisions that drive government action.”
