Media Release
06 November 2020
Essential Energy has today launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s Reconciliation journey. The RAP supports Essential Energy’s ambition to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women, along with respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights.
Essential Energy CEO John Cleland said, “This is Essential Energy’s first RAP and builds on the positive steps we’ve taken over many years to build relationships and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
“The RAP will guide our ambitious yet sustainable actions in our own Reconciliation journey within our organisation and across the communities our people live and work in.”
“Our network footprint overlaps with 29 First Nations and our people are based at depots and offices in 100 regional, rural and remote towns and cities, so we have a great opportunity to contribute to change,” Mr Cleland said.
Essential Energy has already implemented actions to improve opportunities and access for First Nations peoples’. Through partnerships with the Clontarf Foundation, Girls Academy, CareerTrackers and regional universities, opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women have been created. 22 per cent of our Apprentices have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. An innovative Pre-Employment Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has seen 100 per cent of trainees successfully join our Apprentice Program.
Essential Energy’s RAP has been developed with significant input by the employee-led Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Group, in consultation with our Customer Advocacy Group and approved by Reconciliation Australia.
“I’m extremely proud of our organisation and especially the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Group who’ve worked hard to ensure that Essential Energy’s RAP brings transparency to the next step of our Reconciliation efforts and will help bring everyone together in unity to achieve our Reconciliation vision,” Mr Cleland said.
A copy of the RAP can be found at essentialenergy.com.au/rap.
Media contact: Mitchell Cutting, Media & PR Specialist
M: 0428 167 737
