The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program was developed by Reconciliation Australia to support organisations in all sectors participate in a national effort to close the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Telstra CEO, David Thodey, and Reconciliation Australia Board member and Traditional Owner from Yirrkala, Djapirri Mununggirrij, recently launched Telstra's first RAP. It articulates a longstanding and active commitment to employing Indigenous people, providing appropriate and accessible services to Indigenous customers and supporting programs in community development and the Arts which celebrate and help to sustain Indigenous culture.

Telstra’s RAP stands on three key pillars:

Our Customers: We seek to better know our Indigenous customers and offer products and services that address the distinct challenges faced by Indigenous communities, especially those in rural locations.

Our Communities: Telstra aims to work with Indigenous communities and increase opportunities that lead to improved education, health and economic outcomes.

Our People: Telstra provides opportunities for Indigenous Australians while improving our capability to meet customers needs.

For over 19 years, Telstra have been committed to supporting National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA) – better known as the Telstra Art Award. We have also worked together with the Centre for Appropriate Technology in Alice Springs, to develop the Community Phone – a robust cashless payphone that has been installed in over 250 communities.

Since 2002, the Telstra Foundation has contributed $8.7million towards 90 projects that have focused on Indigenous health, education and culture. And in 2008, Telstra launched its Indigenous Action Plan, resulting in the recruitment of 29 indigenous employees and 30 Indigenous trainees.

Please click here to download the Telstra Reconciliation Action Plan.