ABB Australia launches Reconciliation Action Plan

ABB Australia has launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to advance opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For the next three years, the RAP will work towards establishing effective training and employment programs to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access and retain jobs in all its business divisions. Additionally, the plan considers how ABB can provide opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers and supply partners.

Lani Blanco-Francis, Director of LBF Consulting, and Axel Kuhr, Country Manager ABB Australia.

The company will also conduct cultural training sessions for its workforce, which it believes will play a fundamental role in ABB’s contribution to reconciliation.

“Being a truly global company, spanning some 100 countries, ABB is built on a culture of acceptance, inclusiveness and respect of all peoples,” said Axel Kuhr, Country Manager, ABB Australia.

“By implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan, we demonstrate our commitment to providing sustainable working opportunities and better engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

“It is not only the right thing to do for the growth and success of our business, it is the right thing to do for the growth and prosperity of all Australians.”

The RAP, developed by ABB Australia in consultation with LBF Consulting, has several objectives:

• To build strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, communities and businesses;
• To cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and contemporary issues;
• To increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation through employment and procurement opportunities.

ABB says it is committed to tracking and reporting its RAP progress.

Of ABB’s more than 2000 employees, 27 are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.