BHP has released its sixth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and backed the Voice to Parliament campaign with $2 million in funding.
The RAP was developed in partnership with various representatives from Traditional Owner groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, organisations, communities, and peak bodies across Australia.
It outlines BHP’s commitment to respectful engagement, agreement-making, cultural understanding, economic and community development, and advocacy for the advancement of national reconciliation and the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The plan was developed through an extensive consultation process involving nine forums over eight months held across every region BHP operates in, with approximately 1,000 internal and external partners across Australia.
The RAP covers a number of key areas such as understanding and respect; economic development; culture and community; and advocating for change.
This most recent RAP has been recognised with ‘elevate’ status from Reconciliation Australia, which is provided to organisations with a proven track record in respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and taking a leadership role to advance national reconciliation and create a more equitable Australia.
BHP’s President Australia Geraldine Slattery said: “We are humbled and grateful for the commitment that so many people made to share their time and voices with us. This Reconciliation Action Plan is intended to capture the essence of those voices and support ongoing partnerships based on trust and mutual benefit.”
BHP halso also donated $2 million in funding to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament campaign.
“BHP’s relationships with Indigenous Australians are fundamentally important to our company,” she said.
“We operate on traditional lands and we engage and partner widely with Indigenous communities and traditional owners.
“We are the largest resources sector employer of Indigenous Australians and we are a rapidly growing partner to Indigenous-owned businesses.”