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Indigenous Engagement Policy

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT POLICY

 

Policy Purpose:

This policy outlines The WABi Group’s commitment to respectful, meaningful, and inclusive engagement with Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It reflects our responsibility to recognise their unique cultural heritage, deep connection to Country, and their ongoing contribution to communities across Australia.

We aim to foster genuine relationships, create opportunities, and ensure our operations contribute positively to reconciliation and self-determination.

Scope:

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, consultants, and subcontractors of The WABi Group. It governs how we operate in relation to Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in project planning, procurement, employment, and engagement activities.

Policy Statement:

The WABi Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and we honour their enduring culture and custodianship of the land, waters, and skies.

As a business, we are committed to:

  • Building respectful, long-term relationships with Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
  • Supporting social, cultural, and economic inclusion;
  • Embedding culturally aware and inclusive practices in our operations;
  • Increasing representation and participation within our workforce and supply chain;
  • Creating positive, measurable outcomes through engagement and collaboration.

Principles of Engagement:

Our work with Indigenous communities will be guided by the following principles:

  • Respect – Acknowledge and honour traditional knowledge, protocols, and history.
  • Inclusion – Ensure Indigenous voices and perspectives are meaningfully considered in our planning and decision-making.
  • Partnership – Establish relationships built on trust, transparency, and shared value.
  • Self-Determination – Support the right of Indigenous peoples to make decisions affecting their communities.
  • Accountability – Monitor progress, remain open to feedback, and continuously improve our approach.

Key Focus Areas:

The WABi Group is committed to:

  • Creating employment, training, and career development pathways for Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
  • Working with Indigenous employment services and training providers;
  • Ensuring our workplaces are culturally safe, inclusive, and supprtive.

Procurement and Supply Chain:

We will:

  • Prioritise engagement with Indigenous-owned businesses and social enterprises;
  • Set and report on targets for Indigenous procurement where appropriate.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

We will:

  • Engage early and respectfully with Indigenous communities in relation to our projects;
  • Support local, community-led initiatives and partnerships;
  • Ensure our work reflects community priorities and contributes to sustainable outcomes.

Cultural Awareness and Learning:

We are committed to:

  • Providing cultural competency and awareness training to staff and key project partners;
  • Promoting participation in significant cultural events, such as NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week;
  • Encouraging ongoing learning and understanding of Indigenous history and culture within the business.

Responsibilities:

  • Leadership Team:

Drive and support the implementation of this policy at all levels of the business.

  • Managers and Supervisors:

Ensure the policy is reflected in day-to-day operations, planning, and team development.

  • All Employees and Contractors:

Act respectfully and responsibly, upholding the principles of this policy in all interactions with Indigenous communities, organisations, and individuals.

Monitoring and Reporting:

The WABi Group will:

  • Monitor progress and report regularly to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders on the success of our Indigenous engagement;
  • Review this policy annually to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

Acknowledgement of Country:

The WABi Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate across Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.