KEY POINTS:       

• ConocoPhillips Australia implements Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to drive greater inclusion and participation of First Nations Peoples   
• RAP enables Australia business unit to measure reconciliation contributions       
• The action plan ensures that opportunities created through ConocoPhillips Australia's business and supply chain are equitably accessible by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, businesses and organizations
• Three ConocoPhillips Australia employees win 2022 SPIRIT Award for RAP implementation 

BY GUS MORGAN

The artwork, “Together we believe. Together we belong,” by Wakka Wakka artist David Williams tells the story of ConocoPhillips Australia's reconciliation journey and its formal commitment to mapping a path to supporting and contributing to a reconciled Australia through its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).  

Rooted in ConocoPhillips' SPIRIT Values, the art reflects the collaborative vibes required for such an endeavor. 

“Our vision for reconciliation is a workplace that has a genuine culture of inclusion that reflects our commitment to reconciliation,” said Fiona McLeod, General Manager Government and External Affairs. “We aspire to be a workplace that recognizes, acknowledges and respects the histories of First Nations Peoples and walks together towards a reconciled future.”

ConocoPhillips Australia is committed to ensuring that opportunities created through its business and supply chain are equitably accessible by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, businesses and organizations, with the intent to improve inclusion and participation.  

“We recognize that to achieve this,” McLeod said, “we must first look to ourselves to ensure we create a community that is fair, inclusive, culturally sensitive, safe and supportive. Our vision is guided by transparency, accountability, trust and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

ConocoPhillips Australia is committed to working towards and achieving genuine and sustained reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.  

“We aspire to contribute positively to race relations in Australia,” McLeod said. “We see the RAP framework as a way to measure and formalize our commitments to support reconciliation for which we are then accountable.”  

Rob Gibb, Communities and Sustainable Development Manager, said ConocoPhillips Australia recognizes the enduring and unique connection to land and waters that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have.  

“We celebrate their ongoing contributions to Australia’s political, economic and social landscapes,” Gibb said. “Through the implementation of the RAP, our organization is seeking to develop a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, histories and contributions.”

Gibb said the business unit is broadening its approach to engaging with First Nations stakeholders.  

“We are seeking guidance and advice on RAP implementation and cultural learning opportunities for our workforce,” he said. “Delivery of our RAP will be driven by the RAP Working Group we have formed. This group reflects the many functions of our business and RAP commitments and deliverables championed by senior leaders in our organization. We will also work to develop a governance structure that ensures that First Nations voices are reflected in RAP decision making and that regular RAP reporting is supported and facilitated.”  

Suzanne Schulte, Senior External Affairs Advisor, said ConocoPhillips Australia acknowledges that the impact of colonization, public policy, racial discrimination and prejudice has had a major effect on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and that many continue to face disadvantages as well as prejudice and racism as a result.

 “Through the implementation of this RAP,” Schulte said, “our organization is seeking to understand, identify and ultimately remove systems and processes that create a barrier to participation and instead, engage and create opportunities.”  

A process of reflection and learning

For Managing Counsel Hal Fiske, an Australian history session hosted by indigenous and cross-culture specialist John Anderson as part of National Reconciliation Week 2022 stood out to him, and Fiske is eager to learn more about the nation's history.    

“John Anderson put some challenging questions to the group, in a likeable way — he referred to ancient wisdom and common sense of indigenous communities," Fiske said. "I just finished reading 'Truth Telling' by Henry Reynolds, which raised similar questions around land rights and sovereignty of indigenous group in Australia. As a foreigner here, I’m still on a learning curve and appreciate having materials that help to give a better understanding. Next on my list is to try to learn more about the Mabo case and its impact."

Information Management Supervisor Marko Salonen said the company's National Reconciliation Week events helped deeper his understanding of Australia's past. 

“I found the events at the Australian business unit valuable to put faces to those in the many stories I have heard about Australia’s history as a nation,” Marko said. “Reconciliation is important to allow us to move forward together as one. Hopefully then, we can all celebrate and take pride in being Australian."

RAP Working Group

ConocoPhillips Australia has established a RAP Working Group to lead the implementation of the RAP. Current members include Jack Taylor (RAP Champion), Rob Gibb, Suzanne Schulte, Nage Moummar, Carl Gibson, Felicity Guest, Zac Afeaki, Cherissma Blackman and Jon Felton.