RAP Sponsor
The RAP Sponsor is the Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Planning and Performance Reporting Branch. They are responsible for the implementation and governance of the RAP.
They work closely with the RAP deliverable owners, RAP Champions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Champions, and the RAP Working Group to drive and coordinate the implementation of the RAP.
As Chair of the RAP Working Group, the Sponsor supports partners to participate and deliver on Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commitments. The Sponsor also ensures we are represented at Reconciliation Australia leadership gatherings. This is with the aim of collaborating with other RAP organisations on strategies to progress reconciliation at a broader scale.
RAP Champions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Champions
We maintain dedicated RAP Champions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Champions at senior leadership levels who recognise the value diversity brings to a large federal government agency like ours. We currently have 9 Champions, with the number fluctuating as roles are redefined and new appointments are approved.
The Champions are responsible for:
- supporting and achieving our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and business outcomes
- promoting awareness and understanding of our commitment to reconciliation within our sphere of influence, including progressing the RAP
- representing us at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and celebrations
- advocating for training and development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
- championing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff within the senior leadership group
- promoting and supporting staff participation in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee network (Moondani) and ally network (Kawutilin).
Moondani
Moondani is our network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Moondani means ‘embrace’ in the Woi wurrung language of the Wurundjeri People, the Traditional Owners of Melbourne and surrounding lands of Victoria.
The Moondani co-chairs hold positions on the RAP Working Group.
Moondani is an important mechanism to offer advice to our organisation on workplace and workforce matters.
It is also a means to share guidance among members, and encourage peer support and mentoring that promotes career development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
Kawutilin
Kawutilin (pronounced Kar–woo–ti–lin) is our network for non-Indigenous staff who are allies of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Kawutilin means ‘coming together’ in the language of the Wonnarua People, the Traditional Owners of the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
This is a volunteer ally network that gives an opportunity for all employees to demonstrate support for their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues. For example, Kawutilin members work alongside Moondani to deliver site events on days of importance and build active allyship among ATO employees.
Indigenous Liaison Officers (ILO)
Our ILOs provide specialist advice and support to all staff on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Their role can cover:
- providing guidance, recommendations and specialised advice on complex issues
- developing and co-ordinating projects that support the delivery of human resource (HR) outcomes, including initiatives that drive cultural reform
- engaging with internal and external partners, such as HR partners and other APS agencies
- designing and implementing solutions that may affect legislative and policy requirements
- sharing cultural guidance with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
- giving cultural advice to supervisors and managers
- supporting the management of employment initiatives to improve attraction and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- liaising and partnering with other agencies to improve training and employment pathways opportunities.
Find out more
If you’d like more information about our plan and programs, see Reconciliation Action Plan or email us at RAPProjectTeam@ato.gov.au