A series of planned actions that aims to create equity and opportunities for indigenous Australians is now being promoted by TPG Telecom through its first-ever published Reconciliation Action Plan. The said action plan contains a 14-point agenda that includes a good deal of actions intended to be delivered between now and the second half of 2022. It shall cover several areas one of which is to increase the hiring of more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) and the other is retaining them within the company.

There were particular actions that were pinpointed such as investigation of partnerships that would help support employment partnerships specifically for ATSI students. Another is the development of a business case for employing ATSI people within the group. As of late, there are 15 employees within TPG who identify themselves as indigenous among its almost 6,000 employees worldwide and more than 3,200 employees in Australia.

This action plan of TPG is further seen to hopefully achieve two things – 1.) to enhance the delivery of products and services to its indigenous clients and 2.) to better understand the needs for customer service by engaging with ATSI customer advocates and representatives.

In addition, TPG has made a commitment under the action plan to step up procurement by way of the indigenous-owned businesses. As contained within such an effort, the company will look into its participation in the Supply Nation non-profit organisation, the ATSI business national database. Apart from those mentioned earlier, another inclusion to the action plan is a draft of initiatives that aims to raise the level of respect for and understanding of ATSI individuals, as well as their cultures and histories among TPG’s personnel and customer base.

TPG explains further that the action plan likewise includes such actions as conveying a message of commitment for reconciling all employees, scrutinising the addition of recognising country protocols in the customer communication channels of TPG and ultimately, celebrating both the National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

TPG Company Secretary Trent Czinner is now heading a cross-functional working group as the group executive for legal and external affairs while Vanessa Hicks is the group executive for people and experience. They agree to the conduct of quarterly meetings with the steering committee in attendance which is composed of external independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.

As TPG CEO, Iñaki Berroeta says, “Our company’s purpose is building meaningful relationships and supporting vibrant, connected communities. That’s why we recognise the importance of supporting better futures for all Australians through partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, communities and organisations.”

Berroeta concludes his statement, “We look forward to partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Reconciliation Australia to make a real difference, for our customers, employees and our wider society.”