Veolia cements commitment to reconciliation

Veolia has released its latest Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in recognition of the company’s commitment to First Nations people, their history and their contribution to Australia’s national identity.

The 2022–2025 RAP Stretch sets out Veolia’s vision for a future in which all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised as imperative in contributing to a sustainable Australia.

Key targets include:

• Reaching at least 4% Indigenous employment rate for Veolia’s workforce year-on-year. 
• Spending at least $20 million with Indigenous suppliers over the life of the RAP.
• Providing 100% of Veolia’s staff with access to cultural awareness training, cultural celebrations and cultural learning, yearly.
• Partnering with at least 5 First Nations community organisations yearly to deliver tangible outcomes in employment, training, education and capacity building.

Underpinning the plan is Veolia’s commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to connect, learn and create sustainable opportunities in the communities in which the company and its people live and operate.

Veolia’s chief executive officer, Richard Kirkman, said the plan articulates the role Veolia is determined to play in reconciliation.

“Among all of Veolia’s achievements, this RAP is one of our most important, because it allows us to live out our values,” he said. 

“Veolia’s vision for reconciliation is a future where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s cultures, opportunities and connection to country is recognised as central to contributing to a sustainable Australia.

“Our purpose is ecological transformation and with that there is an immediate connection and alignment to Indigenous culture in caring for country. Our Stretch RAP means we can continue to embed Indigenous culture into the way we work.

“Veolia has a deep respect for the traditional custodians and caretakers of Australia. We acknowledge history, recognise challenges and commit to a better, shared future.”

The 2022–2205 plan – the second stretch RAP and Veolia’s fourth overall – will continue to guide Veolia and its staff to drive change and promote action.

To date, Veolia has spent more than $20 million in Indigenous procurement from over 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. The company has also actively worked to remove barriers to employment for Indigenous people, including through partnerships with more than 10 community organisations.

Anthony Roderick, executive sponsor of Veolia’s RAP, said that while Veolia has a longstanding commitment to reconciliation and is proud of the progress made to date, the company is conscious that there is always more that can – and will – be done.

“Our commitment to continuing to educate our people is always going to be the most critical  step in achieving our RAP goals,” he said. “Understanding the history of Australia through the voices of the first inhabitants is pivotal in moving forward on our journey of reconciliation.

The stretch was launched alongside a series of events around the country attended by senior Veolia executives and Indigenous community leaders. 

To learn more click here. 

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