November 10 2011
Laing O’Rourke, Australia's largest privately owned construction firm, has officially launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) today at a special ceremony in Perth.
In a landmark move, Laing O’Rourke is the first major construction company to develop a RAP and have it officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
CEO Steve Hollingshead said the Plan outlined Laing O’Rourke’s long-term commitment to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, and to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
"Laing O’Rourke is committed to leaving a positive legacy in all communities in which we operate," Mr Hollingshead said.
"Our involvement on large scale projects located in or close to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities provides us with a unique opportunity to foster strong relationships and provide employment and training to local Indigenous people."
The launch was attended by Cliff Weeks, Director General of the Department of Indigenous Affairs and the Hon Dr Sally Talbot MLC, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs.
Former West Coast Eagles footballer David Wirrpanda attended as guest speaker, while the ceremony also featured a performance by the Wadumbah Dance Group.
David heads up the David Wirrpanda Foundation which has the core objective of promoting strong role models and healthy lifestyle choices to Indigenous children.
Laing O’Rourke’s RAP encompasses:
- Our vision for reconciliation;
- A RAP Working Group to identify current Indigenous related initiatives which could be implemented across the entire organisation;
- Our commitment to providing training and/or employment to Indigenous people where possible;
- Our sponsorship of the first Indigenous Australian appointed Youth Representative to the United Nations, Benson Saulo;
- Our commitment to leaving lasting and positive legacies within the communities where we work;
- Our role in the award-winning Strategic Indigenous Housing Infrastructure Program; and
- Our status as a signatory to the Australian Employment Covenant, helping to deliver new job opportunities for Indigenous applicants.
Recently the Territory Alliance - of which Laing O'Rourke is a member - delivering the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Project (SIHIP), was recognised by the Federal Government for providing 62 direct jobs and 27 positions with subcontractors for Indigenous workers.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin presented new trade qualifications to 82 Indigenous people who have completed various levels of training during just one phase of the program in the Alice Springs region.
The Reconciliation Action Plan can be viewed here.
