Every year, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) continue to play a critical role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable Australia.

The 2024 RAP Impact Report highlights the growing influence of these plans, which are built on the pillars of Relationships, Respect, and Opportunities. These three core principles guide organisations in their efforts to strengthen their connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and contribute meaningfully to reconciliation.

The report reveals that RAPs are driving real, measurable progress. More than 75,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are now employed within RAP organisations. There has also been a significant rise in economic empowerment, with over $4.8 billion in goods and services procured from Indigenous-owned businesses. This is a 31% increase from the previous year.

These economic opportunities are helping to create more equal and equitable participation across various sectors of society.

Representation at the leadership level is also improving. In 2024, 740 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people held executive leadership roles within RAP organisations, while 733 served on boards. Both of these figures show more than a 20% increase from the previous year. This growing presence in decision-making spaces reflects a deeper commitment to inclusion and shared leadership.

Engagement with culture and education continues to expand as well. During National Reconciliation Week, RAP organisations hosted over 9,200 events, reflecting a 41% increase in participation.

Thousands of employees took part in cultural learning initiatives, both in-person and online, demonstrating a widespread effort to build understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, rights, and histories.

The RAP framework isn’t just about checking boxes.

It’s about creating lasting change through strong governance, cultural learning, and economic partnerships. As more organisations adopt and deepen their RAP commitments, the path toward reconciliation becomes clearer and more achievable.

The 2024 Impact Report is a testament to the progress being made; and a reminder that there is still more to do.

The 2024 Snapshot is below, to explore the full impact report, visit Reconciliation Australia.