NAIF's Reconciliation Action Plan: Key achievements, challenges and learnings

The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) is proud to share the progress of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

This Innovate RAP represents a significant step forward in our commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and enhancing our employees' cultural understanding.

Achievements

The development of the Innovate RAP builds upon the foundation laid by our inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. Some of our key achievements include:

Enhanced Cultural Awareness

We have implemented, and continue to develop, in-house learning and training programs to increase our employees' understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. This has led to a more culturally competent workforce capable of engaging meaningfully with Indigenous communities.

Strengthened Relationships

Our monthly RAP Working Group meetings have fostered continuous dialogue between our employees and First Nations stakeholders, enabling us to monitor progress and adjust our strategies effectively. These meetings ensure that we remain accountable and responsive to our employees and the needs of the communities we serve. 

Our team has collaborated with Government Special Investment Vehicles to develop the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and advanced the development of a governance framework for our RAP Working Group meetings. 

Community Engagement Initiatives

We have participated in events such as NAIDOC Week, National Reconciliation Week and other community events, celebrating Indigenous culture and reinforcing our commitment to reconciliation. 

Challenges

We worked with Reconciliation Australia to fully endorse and launch the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. While we have made significant strides, we acknowledge several challenges.

Resource Allocation

Ensuring adequate personnel resources for the implementation of all actions outlined in the Reconciliation Action Plan is a challenge we are working through. Some of the strategies we have implemented to overcome this challenge are:

• Ensuring a collaborative approach is adopted to implementation of initiatives including whole-of-organisation approach wherever possible.
• Executive representation on the RWG.
• Shared deliverables evenly across the RWG.

Measuring Impact

Developing robust metrics to measure the success of our reconciliation efforts is multifaceted. The Indigenous Outcomes team has been successful in delivering impact for Indigenous workers, businesses and community organisations. This success introduces challenges in the way we evaluate the success of our RAP initiatives. The team remains committed to improving our evaluation methods to measure outcomes effectively. 

Building Trust

Establishing trust with Indigenous communities takes time and sustained effort. We recognise that ongoing engagement is crucial for fostering long-lasting relationships.

Learnings

Through our journey with the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, we have gained valuable insights and anticipate further ongoing learning.

Importance of Collaboration

Partnering with Indigenous communities as equal partners is essential for meaningful reconciliation. This collaborative approach has increased our understanding and helped us to create informed actions.

Continuous Learning

The need for ongoing education about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is paramount. At NAIF, we are committed to lifelong learning as part of our organisational culture.

Flexibility in Approach

Adapting our strategies based on feedback has proven effective. This flexibility allows us to respond dynamically to the evolving needs of the communities we work with.

Looking Ahead

NAIF’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is a living document that reflects our dedication to action, learning, and partnership. As we continue this journey, we aim to deepen relationships, overcome challenges, and deliver on our commitments for reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in northern Australia.