The Branch remains strongly committed to its reconciliation journey, and is pleased to report that we have received formal endorsement from Reconciliation Australia of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Under the governance of Reconciliation Australia, RAPs are designed to enable organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.
Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
There are four types of RAP: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate. These allow organisations to continuously develop their reconciliation commitments. Each RAP type has mandatory actions and deliverables to be met in order to receive Reconciliation Australia’s endorsement.
The Branch’s RAP is a Reflect RAP. Reflect RAPs are the first RAP for most organisations, and have a 12- to 18-month timeline. They lay out the foundations and prepare a workplace for future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives. A Reflect RAP is a public commitment, and is published on Reconciliation Australia’s website.
Why are we doing this?
The Branch values diversity, inclusion and respect and seeks to integrate these values into all member activities. We recognise the health impacts of discrimination, including racism, and commit to improving the ability, opportunity and dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in our community.
Our vision for reconciliation is health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Victoria. We will actively work toward reconciliation by building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses, midwives, carers, relevant representative bodies and the broader community. By working together, we aim to identify opportunities and support the growth of First Nations nurses, midwives and carers, which will in turn contribute to better outcomes for First Nations patients/consumers/clients.
We will work towards our vision by modelling respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; recognising and acknowledging the damaging impact and trauma of colonialisation on First Nations peoples, and promoting truth-telling and a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights; and leading the nursing and midwifery professions in respect and shared knowledge with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We will adopt the principles of reconciliation, relationships and reflection as part of our core work, and will model and encourage promotion of reconciliation throughout the nursing and midwifery professions. The Reflect RAP is the strengthening of a respectful and genuine pathway with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our workplace. The ANMF (Vic Branch) RAP Champion is Madeleine Harradence, Branch Assistant Secretary.
