Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP's) are developed by organisations to outline how they will contribute to the reconciliation movement, deliver tangible and substantive benefits for First Nations peoples and increase cultural safety in the workplace.
The QNMU’s inaugural ‘Reflect’ RAP has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the lead body for reconciliation in Australia. The QNMU’s Reflect RAP lays the foundations for future reconciliation initiatives while increasing awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and leadership across all sectors of Australian society.
Why is the QNMU RAP important?
A lack of culturally safe and responsible health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (especially in rural areas) has led to an unjust health system, with poorer health outcomes as a result.
Ours is the largest union in Queensland, covering the largest occupational group in health— nurses, midwives and carers.
We have been instrumental in addressing issues such as patient safety, healthcare access and equity through our advocacy and activism, and as such, the QNMU has an important role to play in advancing reconciliation.
How well supported is this work?
To support this plan, the QNMU has established a Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, charged with developing, implementing and reporting on the RAP.
The QNMU RAP Working Group for this stage in the reconciliation journey—reflect—is a collective of employees and members from across the organisation who will drive the reconciliation agenda within the QNMU.
This work builds on the important work we have already done advancing reconciliation, including:
- establishing a First Nations Nurses and Midwives Reference Group that has developed into a Branch
- establishing a First Nations Strategy, Policy and Research Officer role, created to provide leadership and direction to support and promote the interests of First Nations peoples and members through the strategic identification, development and undertaking of research and policy development
- contributing to the Statewide advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worker and social rights via participation and leadership in the Queensland Council of Unions First Nations Committee
- contributing to the National advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worker and social rights via participation in the ACTU Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
- engaging with the First Nations Branch regarding policy and strategy in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and health policy
- participating in the ACTU Voice Treaty Truth Advocacy Course
- Participating in the Uluru Statement from the Heart campaigns
- inviting Traditional Owner/s to significant annual events, including QNMU Annual Conference
- signing up to the Racism Stops With Me campaign
- holding internal and external reconciliation events
- establishing a First Nations Identified Organiser position
- providing support to the Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives Indigenous Corporation to run a careers day to promote Nursing and Midwifery
- lobbying for inclusion of improved First Nations specific employment conditions (e.g., cultural loading, identified positions).