As PM&C’s First Nations Champion, the Assistant Secretary for the First Nations Policy Branch, in the Social Policy Division, and an active Mara member, I am pleased to support PM&C’s Reconciliation Action Plan for 2024–27.

I am proud of the department’s efforts to co-design this RAP in partnership with the Mara Network and the RAP Working Group. Reconciliation is an ongoing challenge for our nation; Australia’s shared history is complex and there is still so much work to do and so much that remains untold.

It has never been more important to create opportunities for us to stop, listen and learn from each other. To achieve a united future, our stories need to be told and our histories understood. Reconciliation is a life long journey that involves all Australians.

As the oldest living cultures in the world, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are so inherently beautiful and are fundamentally connected to the land and each other. Our cultures are unique and our people are resilient and adaptive.

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap, signed by all governments, provides us with a unique opportunity to work together to overcome the inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and achieve life outcomes equal to all Australians.

Our vision for this RAP is consistent with Closing the Gap. Our vision is focused on: strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and staff; creating a safe place for truth telling; empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait staff; and embedding the knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, perspectives and histories in all that we do.

I look forward to supporting PM&C to continue to work with our colleagues and stakeholders to achieve the department’s goals in reconciliation and Closing the Gap for the benefit of all Australians.