Reconciliation Action Plan for 2015
Amnesty International Australia
Our vision for reconciliation
Amnesty International Australia’s (AIA) vision for reconciliation is of an inclusive nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples thrive
and the wider Australian community has a deep understanding and respect for the peoples on whose land we live. This is an Australia where all
peoples are reconciled and all human rights are upheld.
Our business
Amnesty International Australia employs 92 paid staff, of whom 3 identify as Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander.
Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people working to ensure everyone’s human rights are respected and protected. We have
a vision of a world in which every person enjoys all of the rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human
rights standards including the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Our core work is to search out the facts, expose what is happening and then mobilize people to put pressure on governments and others to stop the
violations. We protect people and communities whose rights are violated, encourage governments and others to respect human rights and raise
awareness of the international standards that protect us all.
Who we are
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We are a diverse and democratic movement of people who share fundamental global values - dignity, freedom, justice, equality and a fair go for
all.
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We are outraged by human rights abuses and create change by inspiring people around the world to take action.
We demand, and hold to account, governments and other decision-makers to protect and respect human rights.
We are an international movement that speaks out with one voice without compromise or fear to help protect human rights.
We are a grassroots organisation founded in 1961 - truly independent of government, business, religion or political groups.
We work for and with individuals - to give voice, to stand alongside and to secure fundamental human rights for all.
We work collaboratively and in partnership with others to achieve our shared human rights outcomes.
What we do
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We call on governments or companies to uphold, create or change laws or policies that will protect human rights.
We send experts on assignments into countries where human rights abuses are occurring to investigate and report, including Indigenous
communities here in Australia and globally.
We work with the world’s media to expose human rights abuses and call the guilty to justice.
Our supporters sign petitions, write letters or take online actions directed at governments, groups or individuals.
We support human rights advocates and activists defending human rights in their own countries.
Our sections around the world campaign in their countries on global and local issues.
As an organisation AIA actively promotes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples including the right and importance of
Indigenous Peoples living on their traditional homelands. “I live here, I grew up here: this is my country. This is a special place, I don’t want to go to
no other place, I love sitting down here. This is one country, one family” Motorbike Paddy Petyarr, Anmatyerr Elder and bush mechanic, ‘The Land
Holds Us’ 2011, p 5., Amnesty International.
In June 2015 AIA launched “Community Is Everything” a campaign addressing the disproportionate, overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander youth in the justice system around Australia. The campaign aims to encourage our government to work in consultation with
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders to address this issue by adopting a justice reinvestment approach, which cares for all young people and invests
in their development. This campaign shows that evidence-based, practical reforms can end the high rate of Indigenous Youth incarceration.
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Our RAP
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is fundamental to the operation of Amnesty International Australia. Our plan is to continue to invest in and
deepen respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, to enhance our human rights impact and enable positive change
for Amnesty and all those involved in our work. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples special status as the First Peoples
of Australia. It is vital that we continue to campaign in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
With this in mind, our 2015 Reconciliation Action Plan has an inward and outward focus. Much can be done within the organisation to facilitate a
deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We can also engender change in the external environment through targeted
community engagement strategies, such as developing stronger partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
There is also a focus on ensuring that our staff and activists have ownership of the plan and feel responsible for and rewarded by its
implementation.
The RAP working group includes members from strategic positions across the organisation and includes Aboriginal representation. The members
are; Nicole Donnelly (RAP Project Leader), Rodney Dillon (Indigenous Rights Advisor), Desley Mather (Director of Campaigns & Government
Relations), Brooke Phillips (Executive Assistant Campaigns & Government Relations), Jane Connolly (Donor Liaison Manager), Caroline Shepherd
(Media & Public Affairs Coordinator) and Wendy Watson (Community Organiser WA).
The RAP plan will further be championed internally by Claire Mallinson Amnesty International Australia’s National Director.
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Relationships
Amnesty International Australia campaigns for the human rights, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to be respected by
Australian Governments. It is vital that we continue to do this in partnership with the rights holders themselves. Truly empowered
relationships are vital at every level, from our grassroots to senior figures.
Focus area:
Our plan is to continue to invest in and deepen respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to enhance our human
rights impact and enable positive change for Amnesty International Australia and all those involved in our work. The organisation further supports
causes and relationships that unite the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community rather than those that divide.
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Target
1. The RAP Working Group (RWG) continues
to actively monitor RAP development,
including implementation of actions,
tracking progress and reporting.
RWG team leader
June 2015.
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RWG oversees the development, endorsement
and launch of the RAP 2015 at AIA all staff
meeting.
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The group meet at least monthly to monitor and
report on RAP implementation.
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Branch Committees to monitor the RAP
implementation at regional level.
July, August,
September,
October, November,
December 2015
Branch Committee
Presidents
2. Celebrate National Reconciliation Week by
providing opportunities for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employees and other
employees to build relationships.
RWG team leader
September 2015
26th May - 3rd June
Annually
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50% of AIA staff to participate in an internal
conversation during National Reconciliation Week
facilitated by the RWG in each region. The session
will be a discussion around the text “Lost
Conversations: finding new ways for black and white
Australians to lead together”.
3. Establish new and continue to support
existing relationships with local Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander groups and
organisations to strengthen AIA’s
‘Community is Everything’ campaign.
RWG team leader
August 2015
● RAP team to identify potential NGO’s and
service providers for regions to partner with.
Community
Organiser’s
December 2015
● Each region to establish and build
relationships with at least 1 targeted Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander group and or service
provider.
Respect
Amnesty International Australia exists to campaign for the protection of human rights for all individuals. This involves an inherent respect for all
Peoples. In Australia, respect for the Peoples on whose land we live is integral to our work. Acknowledging the ancient histories, cultures and
languages of this land will help us grow here in Australia and contribute more experiences and knowledge to the global movement.
Focus area:
Acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ place as the traditional owners. Develop Amnesty International Australia’s activists’
and staff understandings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to enable us to provide a respectful and welcoming campaigning
organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to participate in.
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Target
1. Engage Employees, Activists and AIA
Action Groups in understanding the
protocols and difference around
Acknowledgement of Country and
Welcome to Country ceremonies to ensure
there is shared meaning behind the
ceremonies.
Indigenous Rights
Advisor &
Executive Assistant
Campaigns &
Government
Relations (RWG)
September 2015
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Develop, implement and communicate an
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocol
document for use across AIA.
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Develop wallet sized cards with guidelines for
Acknowledgement of Country, including relevant
peoples / land for each capital city so that staff /
volunteers can pay their respects to Aboriginal
September 2015
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cultures / land at the beginning of meetings.
Community
Organisers
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60% of AIA Action Groups to include
Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of
their meetings.
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Aboriginal Cross Cultural Competency Training
to include a section on the protocols and
significance of Welcome to Country and
Acknowledgement of Country, as well as defining
the difference between the two and who can do
either.
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Staff/team/Branch Committee meeting agendas
and minutes to include Acknowledgement of
Country.
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Identify at least one significant event per year
where a Welcome to Country from a Traditional
Owner will be included such as National Annual
General Meeting.
December 2015
Manager
Indigenous Rights
Team
December 2015
RWG team leader
September 2015
Donor Liaison
Manager
July 2015
2. Engage employees, Activists and AIA
Action Groups in cultural learning to
increase understanding and appreciation
of different cultural backgrounds in order to
lay the foundation for other RAP actions to
be achieved.
RWG team leader
December 2015
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Develop an induction process for all new board
members, branch committee members, volunteers
and staff that includes familiarisation with;
● Aboriginal Cross Cultural Competency
Training (to be pre-recorded by The
Indigenous Rights Team).
● Our Reconciliation Action Plan
● Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
protocols, specific to Country
● AIA Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
terminology and style guide
● History of AIA’s work in Indigenous rights
New RAP presented to staff at an All Staff Meeting,
including AIA Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
terminology and style guide
3. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employees to
engage with their culture and community
through events including NAIDOC Week
and Reconciliation Week events.
Celebrate NAIDOC Week by providing
opportunities for staff and key activists to
attend an event featuring a conversation
between an Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
Leaders.
4. Support and encourage activists and staff to
get to know their Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community through promoting and
RAP Champion
Claire Mallison (AIA
National Director) &
RWG Project
Leader Nicole
Donnelly
June 2015
RWG team leader
September 2015
HR Manager
December 2015
Manager
Indigenous Rights
Team
Jane Connolly
(Donor Liaison
Manager)
Activism Support
Coordinators
Encourage AIA Action Groups to participate in the
cultural training session to strengthen the
Community is Everything Campaign
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Review HR policies and procedures to ensure
there are no barriers to staff participating in
NAIDOC Week
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Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander employees to participate in local
NAIDOC Week events.
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Invite at least 2 key activists from each state to
attend a session at the National Annual General
Meeting including a panel discussion on
Community Is Everything.
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Regional websites and Action Centres to
promote events being held by the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities locally
July 2015
3rd - 5th July 2015
September 2015
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participating in key dates/events on the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar
and other important Indigenous led campaigns
highlighted by AIA Indigenous Rights team.
Campaign &
Government
Relations Assistant
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Key Annual Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
dates to be recorded into AIA’s staff calendars
including a brief summary of each day.
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All staff to participate in at least one cultural
celebration a year with their local Aboriginal and
or Torres Strait Islander community as part of
their paid work.
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AIA staff encouraged to attend Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander led campaigns and events
identified by the Indigenous Rights Team.
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Email AIA Action Groups about upcoming
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander key dates
and encourage and support activists to organise
or participate in events.
September 2015
Team Managers
December 2015
Organising Mgr,
Activism Mgr and
Branch
Committees.
December 2015
Community
Organisers
September 2015
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Opportunities
Ensure that internal and public processes – that lead to empowered positions where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
andmen can exert influence – will assist our campaigning work nationally and globally.
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Target
1. Investigate opportunities within your
organisation to increase Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employment and
participation opportunities.
RWG Team Leader
& Indigenous Rights
Advisor
December 2015
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RWG Team Leader
September 2015
RWG Team Leader
September 2015
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RWG Team Leader
2. Investigate opportunities to increase
supplier diversity within your organisation.
Compliance &
Grants Manager,
December 2015
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Review procurement policies, barriers to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
are able to be addressed.
September 2015
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Identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
businesses in each region from which to
purchase products and services.
December 2015
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At least 10 % of catering for significant meetings
to be sourced from Aboriginal and Torres Strait
RWG Team Leader
Regional Branch
Committees/
Activism Support
Coordinators
Review HR procedures and policies to identify
barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
employee recruitment and retention.
Investigate developing an Aboriginal & Torres
Strait Islander employment and retention
strategy.
Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander staff to consult on employment
strategies, including professional development.
Investigate opportunities to advertise all
vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander media.
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Islander catering services.
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RWG Team Leader
Investigate AIA becoming a member of Supply
Nation
July 2015
Tracking progress and reporting
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Target
1. Report achievements, challenges and
learnings to Reconciliation Australia for
inclusion in the Annual Impact
Measurement Report.
RWG team leader
September 2015
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Complete and submit the RAP Impact
Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation
Australia annually in Quarter four.
RWG team leader
September 2015
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Quarterly update provided to All Staff Meetings.
RWG Team
Leader
December 2015
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Develop and distribute an online survey to be
completed included in the annual AIA staff
survey. Answers to be collected and analysed by
the RAP project team.
2. Evaluate AIA employee’s attitudes and
learning’s in relation to the RAP
Contact details
Nicole Donnelly,
RAP Project Team Leader
P: (08) 8110 8102 E: nicole.donnelly@amnesty.org.au
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