abc reconciliation action plan...

ABC ReConCiliAtion ACtion PlAn 2013–2015

January 2013Updated April 2013


COVER PHOTO: DIRECTOR RACHEL PERKINS AND ACTOR JIMI BANI ON THE SET OF MABO, A BLACKFELLA FILMS PRODUCTION FOR ABC TV; PHOTO BY MATT NETTHEIM

ABC RADIO SPORTS BROADCASTER, CHARLIE KINg,

CONDUCTINg AN INTERVIEw FOR

GrAndstAnd, DARwIN

NORTHERN TERRITORY

FOREwORD

Reconciliation Australia congratulates the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on the release of its 2013–2015 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

By recommitting to the RAP program, the ABC is one of over 360 organisations that are turning good intentions into mutually beneficial actions—actions that align to core business objectives.

As the national broadcaster, the ABC plays an important and unique role in Australian culture—with local, regional and national reach—and i commend the Corporation on its achievements in representing Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples and histories in its programs and services.

in particular, i applaud the ABC’s commitment in its RAP to more programming that reflects the diverse lives, stories and concerns of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people and communities. in doing so, the ABC is offering indigenous perspectives to its audiences and creating a venue for the work of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander content makers. the ABC should be proud of its recent successes including prime-time television dramas like Mabo, The Straits and Redfern Now and the digital radio service ABC nAiDoC.

As well as pledges to programming, the ABC is also committed to increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal and

torres Strait islander Australians in its ranks. the ABC was also a founding member of the Media Reconciliation industry network Group (RinG), which is developing industry-wide training initiatives.

on behalf of Reconciliation Australia, i wish you well as you embark on the next stage of your RAP journey.

leah ArmstrongChief executive officerReconciliation Australia

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CHAIRMAN AND MANAgINg DIRECTOR’S MESSAgE

the ABC’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, launched in october 2009, represented an important commitment by the national broadcaster to acknowledging and valuing Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples and cultures in its content and activities, to increasing employment opportunities and supporting the nation’s journey towards Reconciliation. We are pleased that, over the last three years, many positive changes within the organisation have flowed as a result of that Plan.

the ABC’s second Reconciliation Action Plan 2013–15 carries the Corporation further along this vital path, continuing and extending successful initiatives and bringing new approaches to areas where targets were missed. it acknowledges and values Aboriginal and torres Strait islander history, people and culture as integral to Australia’s history and heritage. it commits the ABC to improving opportunities for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people in four key areas:

• Cultural Understanding and Respect• employment• Content• Community links

the Plan will be a living document, with targets to be set, met, revisited and renewed continuously to ensure its success. the ABC’s indigenous advisory group, the Bonner Committee, will oversee this process and provide the Corporation with advice.

We strongly support and welcome the 2013–2015 Reconciliation Action Plan as a means of improving the recognition and engagement of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people in the work of the ABC.

in creating a better future for our indigenous colleagues, we will create a better ABC.

James Spigelman, Mark Scott, Chairman Managing Director

note: in this document, “indigenous Australians” refers to Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people.


OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATIONthe ABC acknowledges the uniqueness and distinctiveness of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander cultures, and their rights to cultural expression.

We recognise the rich contribution these cultures make to the diversity of the Australian community, and the part they play in contributing to Australian identity and society. the ABC also recognises the diversity that exists within Aboriginal and torres Strait islander cultures.

OUR BUSINESSthe ABC is an independent national broadcaster operating under its own Act of Parliament and Charter. it informs, educates and entertains Australians through innovative and comprehensive television, radio, online and mobile services, including local services in all capital cities and throughout regional Australia. through its programs and services, the Corporation contributes to a sense of national identity, encourages creativity and the arts and reflects the cultural diversity of the Australian community.

the ABC’s programs and services provide images and stories that reflect and define the nation. the Corporation fosters the national conversation through coverage of contemporary issues and debates. As an active participant in Australian cultural life, the ABC is able to make important contributions to the wider recognition of indigenous Australians and cultures and to the process of reconciliation.

OUR RAPthe ABC’s second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) spans the period from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015. it builds on the successes of the Corporation’s first RAP (november 2009 to october 2012), while absorbing the lessons learned from implementing that Plan.

the development of this RAP was overseen by the Bonner Committee, the ABC’s primary advisory and representative body on matters relating to indigenous staff, content and communities. the Committee consulted widely, including with indigenous ABC staff, ABC Divisions and their indigenous Reference Groups, ABC State and territory branches, policy managers and interested individuals within the Corporation.

the Bonner Committee will monitor and report on the ABC’s progress against the Plan.

wAYNE CHEE, TECHNICAL PRODUCER,

ABC RESOURCES

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oUR PRoGReSS: A RevieW of the fiRSt ABC RAP

in october 2009, the ABC launched its first RAP, committing the Corporation to a long-term course of action to improve opportunities for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people in the four key areas of cultural understanding and respect, employment, content and community links. this commitment and the actions that flowed from it have had positive effects within the organisation.

the ABC introduced guidelines for the use of appropriate cultural protocols at ABC events, which are now standard practice. the ABC now holds richer nAiDoC celebrations on air and at ABC offices across the country, including broadcasting a dedicated digital and online radio service, ABC nAiDoC, throughout the week.

in november 2011, the ABC’s Managing Director announced the reconstitution of the Corporation’s internal indigenous advisory body, the Bonner Committee, to clarify its role. the new Chair of the Committee directly advises the Managing Director on issues of relevance to indigenous staff and relationships with indigenous communities.

ABC Radio emphasised the employment of indigenous content makers to increase and improve indigenous content over coming years. the news Division, which necessarily structures its content output around the daily news cycle, focused on increasing its intake of indigenous cadets to train and develop more high-quality indigenous journalists.

ABC television focused on indigenous story-telling, providing greater resources to an indigenous television Department to acquire and commission content by indigenous filmmakers and about indigenous themes. this approach provides opportunities and skills development for indigenous filmmakers, actors and crew and increased the number of indigenous television programs on ABC television.

the State and territory Directors, who manage ABC branches around the country, worked to build stronger relationships between the Corporation and indigenous communities in all states and territories.

While the ABC achieved almost all of its objectives in relation to respect, relationships and content, it was less successful in relation to several of its employment-related objectives.

in particular, the Corporation failed to significantly increase the proportion of indigenous staff

within its workforce or to reach the 2% target specified in the RAP. indigenous staff comprised roughly 1.5% of ABC employees throughout the life of the Plan.

the ABC remains fully committed to increasing indigenous employment opportunities. Accordingly, it has developed a new ABC indigenous employment Strategy 2013–2015, which will operate in parallel with the RAP 2013–2015 to increase indigenous employment levels in a coordinated and strategic fashion.

in two further areas of the RAP, the ABC achieved its stated objective, but identified ways in which the initiatives might be improved. these were the Corporation’s cultural awareness program, indigenous Culture in the ABC, and its provision of induction and mentoring support for new indigenous staff.

the ABC remains committed to these programs. Actions to review and improve them are included in the RAP 2013–2015.

MIRIAM COROwA, PRESENTER ON ABC NEwS 24’S Weekend

BreAkfAst, INTRODUCINg PERFORMERS DURINg

NAIDOC wEEK 2012


ReSPeCt Respect foR AboRiginAl And toRRes stRAit islAndeR people, cultuRe, lAnd And histoRy is impoRtAnt to the Abc. enhAnced undeRstAnding will Assist All AReAs of ouR business.

Action Action leader Action team timeframe performance indicators

1.1 Support the Bonner Committee, the ABC’s Indigenous advisory group, which monitors and coordinates the ABC’s Reconciliation Action Plan

Managing Director

Director Corporate Affairs, ABC executive

December 2015

• Quarterly meetings of the Bonner Committee.• Regular meetings of the Chair of Bonner

Committee with the Managing Director.• Secretariat support provided to the Bonner

Committee.• Biennial review of the Bonner Committee

to ensure its effectiveness at providing wide representation, indigenous networking and feedback to the Corporation.

1.2 Provide staff with ongoing access to the “Indigenous Culture in the ABC” program

indigenous employment Manager

P&l January 2014

• Program reviewed and improved, including ensuring that it is accessible and promoted to all staff.

• number of staff accessing the program and level of engagement.

1.3 Use appropriate cultural protocols including welcome to Country or Acknowledgement at events

Director Corporate Affairs

State and territory Directors,All Divisions

December 2015

• indigenous protocols observed at all relevant events.

1.4 Adopt appropriate cultural protocols for content makers

Bonner Committee

ed Pols Group,Content Divisions,iRGs/iWGs

January 2014

• Adoption of appropriate cultural protocols.• Communication to Content Divisions and

content makers.• Placement on indigenous intranet site.

1.5 Continue to recognise and participate in NAIDOC week

State and territory Directors and iWGs

first week in July each year

• opportunities for staff to participate in ABC nAiDoC activities and flag raisings held across the country.

1.6 Establish an Indigenous site on the ABC Intranet to provide a unified source of information in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and issues

Corporate Affairs

Bonner Committee,P&l,iRGs,All Divisions

June 2013

December 2015

• Creation of indigenous site on ABC intranet.

• new content published on indigenous site on ABC intranet.

• existing content regularly reviewed to ensure continued currency and accuracy.

1.7 Install signage and other physical recognition of the traditional owners of land and the contribution of Indigenous ABC staff in the public foyers and reception areas of ABC offices.

State and territory Directors

facilities Managers

January 2014

• Sites with physical recognition (e.g. signage, artwork and/or flags).

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oPPoRtUnitieS — eMPloyMentoppoRtunities foR AboRiginAl And toRRes stRAit islAndeR people, oRgAnisAtions And communities ARe impoRtAnt to the Abc As we stRive to compRehensively And fAiRly Reflect nAtionAl identity


2.1 Implement the ABC Indigenous Employment Strategy


Divisional Directors,All ABC Managers,Bonner Committee

December 2015

• Strategy in place.• Regular reporting of progress against the

strategy.• Annual review of the strategy to ensure its

effectiveness.• Strategy renewed alongside the RAP.

2.2 Undertake activities to increase the number of Indigenous employees at the ABC to 2% within two years (end 2014) and exceed that target in 2015


Divisional Directors,hiring line managers

each January

• number of employees.• number of roles advertised for and filled by

indigenous applicants.• Supporting mechanisms, such as divisional

plans and recruitment guidelines, in place.

2.3 Undertake “pipeline” activities to increase awareness of potential jobs and careers at the ABC among Indigenous secondary and tertiary students


State/territory Directors,State/territory P&l Managers, All Divisions

December 2015

• evidence of pipeline activities undertaken (e.g. work experience placements, representation at indigenous careers expos and active strategic partnerships with tertiary institutions and other relevant organisations).

2.4 Provide career development opportunities for Indigenous employees


Divisional Directors, P&l learning Advisers,Divisional line managers, Bonner Committee

December 2015

• evidence of career development opportunities (e.g. formalised mentoring program, individualised staff learning and development plans).

2.5 Develop a framework to maximise retention of Indigenous employees


Divisional Directors,Bonner Committee,P&l State Managers

December 2015

• Retention levels.• evidence of staff retention framework

(e.g. support network activities, cultural sensitivity training and analysis of exit interview data).

2.6 Contribute to the growth of Indigenous employment opportunities in the wider media industry


television

each January

each January

• number of indigenous staff leaving the Corporation for jobs that draw on their ABC experience.

• number of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander persons engaged externally as a result of ABC-funded television productions and other activities. Measurement process and benchmarks to be established in the first year and targets set thereafter.


oPPoRtUnitieS — ContentoppoRtunities foR AboRiginAl And toRRes stRAit islAndeR people, oRgAnisAtions And communities ARe impoRtAnt to the Abc As we stRive to compRehensively And fAiRly Reflect nAtionAl identity


3.1 Demonstrate a stronger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence in ABC content, including regional content, and in subsequent scheduling and marketing/promotion

Content Divisions

each January

• number of television programs featuring Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people, perspectives or issues.

• indigenous music as a percentage of Australian music on relevant radio networks.

• Radio content projects and/or activities featuring Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people, perspectives or issues.

3.2 Improved integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the content-making process, including new projects

Content Divisions

each January

• number of indigenous content makers in output divisions.

• number of projects where indigenous people are participating as content makers —particularly in key creative roles.

3.3 Target and develop Indigenous on-air presenters

Content Divisions

each January

• numbers of indigenous staff who have performed in on-air roles.

• Development plans for key indigenous presenters.

3.4 Develop internal and external communication to improve awareness of Indigenous achievement and activity in the ABC

Content Divisions and Corporate Affairs

each January

• Details of internal and external promotional activity.

PRESENTATION TO ABC STAFF OF UPCOMINg PROgRAMS FROM ABC TELEVISION’S INDIgENOUS DEPARTMENT, NAIDOC wEEK 2012

ABC OPEN PRODUCER PETA KHAN (R) TRAININg SENIOR STUDENT CLANCY PURUNTATAMERI AT TIwI COLLEgE, MELVILLE ISLAND

ABC DARwIN’S MAREE YOELU (R) AND VICKI KERRIgAN (C) PLANNINg FOR A RECONCILIATION wEEK BROADCAST FROM BAgOT, NORTHERN TERRITORY wITH RESIDENT VALAMINA wHITE

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RelAtionShiPSRespectful RelAtionships between AboRiginAl And toRRes stRAit islAndeR people And non-indigenous people ARe impoRtAnt to the Abc


4.1 Create opportunities to build strategic partnerships and projects with Indigenous communities and relevant external organisations, with a focus on regional opportunities

State and territory Directors,Bonner Committee

each January

• Range of partnerships and projects.

4.2 Develop opportunities with Indigenous suppliers

Business Services

All Divisions January 2014

• Review of opportunities for procurement from indigenous suppliers.

• Development of policy on use of indigenous suppliers.

4.3 Recognise and participate in Reconciliation week

State and territory Directors and iWGs

27 May – 3 June

• Activities/events to recognise Reconciliation Week.

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tRACkinG PRoGReSS AnD RePoRtinG


5.1 The Bonner Committee will monitor and report on RAP actions

Director Corporate Affairs

each January

• Biannual internal report of progress against RAP targets.

• Annual publication of report of progress against RAP targets.

5.2 Contribute to Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire

Bonner Committee

each September

• Questionnaire responses provided to Reconciliation Australia in a timely fashion.

5.3 Divisional Indigenous Reference groups (IRgs) will continue to meet

All participating Divisions

December 2015

• Specific Divisional achievements for indigenous targets.

5.4 State and Territory Indigenous working groups (Iwgs) continue to operate

State and territory Directors

December 2015

• local opportunities to improve indigenous activity identified — both internally and externally.

5.5 The ABC will refresh the RAP

Bonner Committee

December 2015

• RAP renewed.


MAJHID HEATH AND KODIE BEDFORD FROM ABC TELEVISION’S INDIgENOUS

DEPARTMENT REVIEw CLIPS FOR THE INDIgENOUS gATEwAY

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PARTICIPANTS AT THE ABC INDIgENOUS STAFF CONFERENCE, ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2011



DIRECTOR wAYNE BLAIR ON THE SET OF rAyMOnd — redfern nOW,

A BLACKFELLA FILMS PRODUCTION FOR ABC TV; PHOTO BY DAVID DARE PARKER

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