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Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) outline practical actions that an organisation will take to build strong relationships and enhance respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. A RAP also sets out the organisation's aspirations to achieve greater equality.

The cover of thre Stretch RAP with koalas and euchalyptus leaves

Our vision for reconciliation is to realise the full potential of Indigenous science and knowledge to unlock new possibilities in Australia’s innovative science solutions.

CSIRO's first Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024-27 outlines the actions we will take to build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through scientific knowledge sharing, education, employment opportunities and mutually beneficial partnerships that can deliver a positive impact for the benefit of all Australians.

This is our fourth RAP and builds upon the significant body of work undertaken since the development and implementation of our first Indigenous Engagement Strategy in 2007 and is aligned with our Corporate Plan. It responds to the extraordinary contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—Australia’s First Scientists—to bring direction, shape, and priority to the importance of inviting Indigenous voices, leadership, wisdom, and knowledge into the work we do, and how we do it.

Our Stretch RAP has some ambitious goals including:

  • Promoting Indigenous-led research and exploring new ways to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaborators,
  • Implementing our Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Principles,
  • Expanding our Indigenous Employment and Procurement Strategies to create more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples internally and externally,
  • Building the cultural capability of all CSIRO people, and
  • Developing an Indigenous Data Governance Framework that aligns to the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance.

Our RAP is championed by our Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Sponsor from the CSIRO Leadership Team. The external Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG) and the internal Indigenous Engagement Implementation Committee (IEIC) also have a key role in the delivery and implementation of our RAP. It has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, CSIRO's Executive Team and the CSIRO Board.

Our Innovate RAP achievements

We’re proud to have delivered on critical strategies, including our new Indigenous Employment and Procurement strategies and the launch of CSIRO’s Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Principles.

Some of our other achievements include:

  • 99% of staff completed online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Training.
  • Yuin nation man, Professor Alex Brown, was the first Indigenous scientist to be appointed to the CSIRO Board.
  • A 112% increase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff since June 2021, to  2.46% of total staff.
  • 30 research projects enabled by the Indigenous Research Grants Program, supported by $6.3M in funding.
  • Our Indigenous Science and Engagement Program was established.
  • $33.4M spent on goods and services with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses between July 2021 and June 2024.
  • 12 University student scholarships awarded, totalling $5.8M in funding.
  • 98% of CSIRO Leadership Team participated in Cultural Safety Training.

Download the RAP

Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) outline practical actions that an organisation will take to build strong relationships and enhance respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. A RAP also sets out the organisation's aspirations to achieve greater equality.

Our vision for reconciliation is to realise the full potential of Indigenous science and knowledge to unlock new possibilities in Australia’s innovative science solutions.

CSIRO's first Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024-27 outlines the actions we will take to build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through scientific knowledge sharing, education, employment opportunities and mutually beneficial partnerships that can deliver a positive impact for the benefit of all Australians.

This is our fourth RAP and builds upon the significant body of work undertaken since the development and implementation of our first Indigenous Engagement Strategy in 2007 and is aligned with our Corporate Plan. It responds to the extraordinary contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—Australia’s First Scientists—to bring direction, shape, and priority to the importance of inviting Indigenous voices, leadership, wisdom, and knowledge into the work we do, and how we do it.

Our Stretch RAP has some ambitious goals including:

  • Promoting Indigenous-led research and exploring new ways to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaborators,
  • Implementing our Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Principles,
  • Expanding our Indigenous Employment and Procurement Strategies to create more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples internally and externally,
  • Building the cultural capability of all CSIRO people, and
  • Developing an Indigenous Data Governance Framework that aligns to the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance.

Our RAP is championed by our Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Sponsor from the CSIRO Leadership Team. The external Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG) and the internal Indigenous Engagement Implementation Committee (IEIC) also have a key role in the delivery and implementation of our RAP. It has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, CSIRO's Executive Team and the CSIRO Board.

Our Innovate RAP achievements

We’re proud to have delivered on critical strategies, including our new Indigenous Employment and Procurement strategies and the launch of CSIRO’s Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Principles.

Some of our other achievements include:

  • 99% of staff completed online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Training.
  • Yuin nation man, Professor Alex Brown, was the first Indigenous scientist to be appointed to the CSIRO Board.
  • A 112% increase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff since June 2021, to  2.46% of total staff.
  • 30 research projects enabled by the Indigenous Research Grants Program, supported by $6.3M in funding.
  • Our Indigenous Science and Engagement Program was established.
  • $33.4M spent on goods and services with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses between July 2021 and June 2024.
  • 12 University student scholarships awarded, totalling $5.8M in funding.
  • 98% of CSIRO Leadership Team participated in Cultural Safety Training.

Download the RAP

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