Engineers Australia is dedicated to advancing society through great engineering. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as the oldest continuous cultures on earth, and as our first engineers.
Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan seeks to honour their legacy by strengthening relationships and sharing First Nations engineering knowledge and achievements with our employees, members, the profession and the wider community.
The plan will be delivered over the next two years, underpinned by a structured project management framework to ensure strong governance, transparency, and accountability. Progress will be monitored and reported through Engineers Australia’s strategic project portfolio.
Our vision for reconciliation is an equitable and inclusive Australia.
Kalli-Jade Wall (Arrente, Jingilli) was commissioned to create the artwork for the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan artwork. The piece is a "tribute to the strength of our old people and the forward thinking of our people, honouring the boomerang as one of the first known examples of engineering on this land." The artwork serves as "a reminder that engineering didn’t start in textbooks ... it started on Country."
The artwork is a visual expression of themes – community, sustainability, collaboration and innovation – representing connection between people, Country and generations that underpin Engineers Australia’s reconciliation journey.
Frequently asked questions
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a framework developed with Reconciliation Australia to strengthen respectful relationships, cultural understanding and meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
An Innovate RAP is an organisational commitment to develop, test and establish the best approach for advancing reconciliation in the workplace. The RAP is separated into four sections: Respect, Relationships, Opportunities and Governance.
As the peak body for the engineering profession, Engineers Australia aims to build an ethical, inclusive and culturally capable workforce that represents all Australians. The RAP supports that goal.
First Nations peoples have long histories of innovation, design, water engineering, astronomy, materials science, and sustainable land management. Recognising this honours their role in Australia’s engineering story.
No. Reconciliation is a national, non-partisan framework supported widely across government, industry, and communities. The RAP focuses on respect, understanding and improved relationships.
Strong relationships lead to better engineering outcomes, especially where projects intersect with land, water, infrastructure, heritage and community engagement.
It builds cultural capability, strengthens trust, improves project outcomes, attracts diverse talent, and enhances the profession’s reputation and innovation.
Engineers Australia respects differing views. The RAP is based on national evidence, responsibility and respect. Members are encouraged to ask questions and engage constructively.
Actions will be coordinated by the Engineers Australia People team and guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisors, partners and communities. Engineers Australia is committed to respectful, culturally appropriate and non-tokenistic implementation.
Engineers Australia will monitor RAP actions internally and provide regular updates to the CEO, Board and members. Engineers Australia will also meet Reconciliation Australia’s biannual and annual reporting requirements. Key achievements and progress updates will be shared with members throughout the RAP cycle.
Each division has, where possible, secured membership with its local Reconciliation organisation, enabling Engineers Australia members and employees to access cultural training, events and opportunities to connect with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.