Reconciliation Action Plan
Leidos Australia has developed a Reconciliation Action Plan not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because it makes good business sense. As a proudly Australian organisation, we understand our responsibility to contribute towards reconciliation - within our company, our industry and in the communities in which we operate.
Our vision is for Leidos Australia to pay its role in supporting reconciliation by fostering a culture that promote equity, by establishing opportunities for First Nations People both within our organisation and through business partnerships, and by encouraging positive action throughout the Defence Industry.
We believe Leidos Australia can best practically contribute to advancing reconciliation by taking meaningful action in these key areas:
- We will provide a culturally safe environment for First Nations peoples by participating in activities, celebrations and learning opportunities; ensuring we are being inclusive at all times by providing a respectful and open workplace;
- We will ensure that our people understand what reconciliation is, why it is so important and have the opportunity to participate and celebrate in First Nations peoples activities;
- We will identify opportunities for First Nations peoples targeted recruitment, including the introduction of dedicated traineeships, and then ensuring we provide equal opportunity for career advancement within Leidos Australia; and
- We will increase our awareness of, and engagement with, First Nations’ enterprises, ensuring that they are considered equally when supply chain decisions are made, and increasing our annual spend with First Nations’ businesses.
Our progress so far
Our highlights for the last two years include:
- Formed a RAP working group to deliver our commitments and report our achievements internally, externally and to Reconciliation Australia.
- Extended our partnership with the Indigenous Defence Industry Consortium.
- In consultation with First Nations advisors, reviewed and updated our HR policies and procedures, and ensured our anti-discrimination provisions are fit for purpose.
- Hosted events to mark and celebrate Reconciliation and NAIDOC Weeks and encouraged team members to attend external events.
- Commissioned artwork by First Nations artist Tarrisse King that reflects Leidos as a company and Tarisse’s spiritual connection to her country. The artwork was launched with a panel discussion featuring Tarisse to educate us about Indigenous artwork.
- Invited First Nations peoples into our offices to explain the significance of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. Delivered Acknowledgement of Country before key meetings and gatherings, and displayed Acknowledgement of Country plaques in our key workplaces. Arranged ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies at key workplaces and before key events.
- Adorned one of our Challenger search-and-rescue jets with traditional artwork from a remote island in the Torres Strait. Our jet now proudly features a shark, known as Baydham in Kala Lagaw Ya language, which represents an important symbol in the Torres Strait region. Known as the protector of the reef, sharks play a role in maintaining balance in the seas.
- Facilitated cultural awareness training for our team members.
- Hosted an Indigenous book club, a space where team members learned about and celebrate First Nations cultures, histories and perspectives through the power of storytelling.
- Sponsored a child from Broome to attend a prestigious high school in Albany, through Yalari, a non-profit organisation that provides secondary school scholarships to Indigenous children from rural and remote communities across Australia.
We are looking forward to delivering our final commitments of our current RAP, and launching our new RAP, later this year.