Key Takeaways
- Nationwide First: Warringah MP Zali Steggall is the first federal or state representative in Australia to adopt a Reconciliation Action Plan for an electorate office.
- Tangible Commitments: The "Reflect" RAP establishes practical actions, including cultural awareness integration and parliamentary advocacy for equity.
- Community Opportunities: The initiative prioritises truth-telling and creates direct internship and volunteering pathways for First Nations people in the local precinct.
In a nationwide first for any federal or state elected representative, Warringah Independent MP Zali Steggall is adopting a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for her electorate office, pivoting local support for the Voice to Parliament into tangible, everyday action.
The “Reflect” RAP, launch was held on Friday June 12, at Steggall’s Manly office, establishing practical commitments across parliamentary advocacy, policy development, and community engagement. The event kicked off with a smoking ceremony and a Welcome to Country by Yvonne Weldon, alongside guests from Reconciliation Australia and the Uluru Dialogue.
Coming almost three years after the Voice referendum, the initiative honours the Warringah community’s strong support for reconciliation, where nearly 60 per cent of voters backed the Yes campaign.
“While the referendum did not deliver the outcome many Australians hoped for, it didn’t diminish the importance of reconciliation or the need for action,” Steggall said. She emphasised that the RAP is a framework to ensure progress continues, proving that meaningful reconciliation isn’t limited to governments or large organisations.
The plan prioritises listening to First Nations voices, truth-telling, and advancing justice. Key commitments include embedding cultural awareness across the office, leveraging parliamentary influence to advance equity, and creating internship and volunteering pathways for First Nations people.
Developed alongside a community-based First Nations Working Group, the RAP is already being praised for its local impact. Wiradjuri Galari archaeologist Chloe Wighton noted the plan “moves beyond words” to create accountability and tangible outcomes.
Cammeraygal man Benjamin McGrory praised the upcoming internship opportunities, hoping it inspires practical action from other members of parliament on the national stage.
Wiradjuri woman Jarin Ingram Baigent, CEO of Aboriginal Aged Care in Redfern, commended Steggall’s unprecedented leadership. “[This is a] first by a federal politician. That leadership really mattered,” she said. “It gives me hope for the kind of community my children are growing up in.”
Adorned with artwork by local Aboriginal artist and Mosman High student Nalani Spencer, the document represents a starting point. As Steggall noted, “Reconciliation is not a single event or symbolic gesture. It’s an ongoing responsibility that requires listening, learning and action.”
The Post’s Tina Brown attended the launch and recognised the privilege to witness this historic milestone. Brown said “I sincerely hope this groundbreaking initiative inspires other politicians across Australia to listen to their communities and commit to the establishment of their own Reconciliation Action Plans.”