Reconciliation at TAFE NSW

TAFE NSW promotes equality and equity as well as cultural safety through our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

We are committed to creating an environment that:

• respects cultural diversity
• advocates for self-determination
• acknowledge injustices of the past, to be free of all forms of racism.

The TAFE NSW Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is an ongoing project that:

• commits to real and actionable initiatives
• responds to change and growth
• engages staff and stakeholders in Reconciliation
• develops and strengthens relationships
• pilots innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It's imperative to have an Aboriginal voice in our organisation. We do this by embedding an Aboriginal Governance structure.

TAFE NSW acknowledges and respects the diverse thoughts and perspectives that have arisen following the recent referendum for "The Voice." We remain committed to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap, recognising that the journey towards reconciliation is a collective one.

We acknowledge the range of emotions that people may be feeling. It is through working together, supporting one another, and sharing strategies and ideas that we can influence the positive change we want to continue to see in our communities. 

TAFE NSW has a range of support services available for employees and learners and we actively encourage anyone who feels that their spirit is unsettled to reach out and have a yarn with their support networks.

Through results from a recently completed Cultural Safety/Belonging survey by a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners and employees, it was highlighted that TAFE NSW provides a culturally safe and empowered environment for our learners and employees, but also brought to light the frustrations and significant cultural load that people are experiencing across the organisation.

As part of our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation, TAFE NSW is actively engaged in policy development and works collaboratively with: 

• key stakeholders
• governance groups
• community
• our valued learners
• employees
• partners. 

We know that achieving reconciliation is a societal challenge, and as TAFE NSW plays a pivotal role within our community, we want to be at the forefront of this process. We understand the importance of engagement and relationships with our community, and that this engagement is the core of our reconciliation journey.

We want to reiterate our dedication to the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2023-2025, which places self-determination at its core. This aligns with our commitment to Closing the Gap under the TAFE NSW Strategic Plan. 

The TAFE NSW Innovate RAP outlines our commitment and the actions we will take across four key areas:

• Relationships
• Respect
• Opportunities
• Governance.

We recognise the importance of truth-telling and the need to work together now more than ever to achieve reconciliation.

TAFE NSW recognises that improvements are still needed in key focus areas, and we are dedicated to these ongoing improvements through the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and our commitment to Closing the Gap. 

We will continue to work tirelessly to promote inclusion, belonging and a culturally safe environment for all.

The TAFE NSW Innovate RAP is important for learners, employees and our Communities. 
It encourages:

• cultural inclusivity
• embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives at all levels of TAFE NSW
• cultural respect and recognition, belonging and cultural safety whilst improving learner experiences
• acknowledgment and respect of Culture, protocols, ways of working and being
• genuine engagement and partnerships with Communities
• building trust and decision-making led by Community.

For more information or questions, get in touch with the RAP Team.