nbn’s vision for reconciliation is to be deeply engaged and connected with First Nations cultures and aspirations for digital inclusion.
At nbn, we recognise the important role the company plays in driving digital capability in partnership with First Nations people and in exploring how this can help enable social and economic benefits for communities.
We acknowledge that our role extends beyond just connectivity, and that we must also support culturally safe and appropriate use of technology, expand our employment and business pathways with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and continue to amplify the success of community-led programs and solutions.
First Nations
Our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) launched in 2013. Although it was still early in our journey as a business, it was an important step – and one we were determined to take.
Three years later we launched our second RAP with the purpose of embedding the values of Reconciliation into the way we operate. Our goal was to help ensure Australia’s First Nations people had (and continue to have) opportunities to participate in the rollout and potential benefits of the nbn® network.
Our third RAP, introduced in October 2018, had an increased emphasis on community engagement, building and encouraging collaboration, increasing employment and procurement opportunities and lifting the digital capability of all Australians.
Our fourth RAP launched in November 2020 and had a strong emphasis on connecting communities safely and increasing our internal engagement with First Nations cultures and aspirations for digital inclusion. Additionally, we have maintained a targeted focus on developing partnerships and opportunities to support First Nations females in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) as well as entrepreneurs.
The cover of nbn's fifth Reconciliation Action Plan. Artwork by Sandra Pumani from Mimili, South Australia.
nbn's fifth RAP, launched in May 2023, sees us pursuing our vision for reconciliation through a continued focus on increased connectivity for First Nations communities, and deepening our relationships and partnerships with First Nations communities and organisations to increase digital inclusion. We will also drive increased employment opportunities for First Nations job seekers, and meaningful and sustainable engagement across our supply chain for First Nations-owned businesses.
Since launching our first RAP, we have accomplished achievements including:
- Deploying more than 100 community Wi-Fi solutions across the country, between June 2020 and November 2022 to support First Nations communities as part of our COVID-19 response.
- Working with Queensland Police to deploy emergency communication services at seven vehicle checkpoints, supporting the safety of First Nations communities placed in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Collaborating with key government and peak industry bodies to improve telehealth capabilities and digital health participation along with improved connectivity and digital capability for indigenous arts centres.
As part of our fifth RAP, we will continue to focus on:
- Contributing to Target 17 of the Closing the Gap Report (2022), centered on providing equitable access and improving digital inclusion for First Nations people
- Growing our relationships and meaningful partnerships with key First Nations stakeholders
- Continuing to support Community Wi-Fi solutions in connected communities during the term of this RAP, and exploring opportunities to expand
- Increasing First Nations recruitment and retention
- Improving nbn’s spend opportunities with First Nations suppliers
These initiatives allow us to continue our reconciliation journey, proudly building on our previous Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) and focuses on the areas we believe will make the biggest difference.