The National RAP Conference 2024 in Meanjin (Brisbane) was a pivotal gathering of leaders and change-makers, all united by the goal of driving reconciliation forward in Australia. Over 800 participants came together to engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of Reconciliation in Australia.

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The conference explored a range of critical themes focused on the urgent work of Reconciliation; the impact and necessity of Truth Telling; understanding and activating equity and economic justice for Indigenous Australians and communities; Australia’s problem with racism and our responsibility to act and the impact of Cultural Learning for Organisations.

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The conference highlighted the urgency to keep pushing for change in the context of the failure of the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023 and the recent repeal of the Queensland Pathway to Treaty Act 2023 following the Queensland election.

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Despite this, the conference attendees, representing 3,300 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) partners, demonstrated the collective impact possible when united - underscoring the need for tenacity in our collective efforts for reconciliation and positive change.

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Some key takeaways from the conference included

• The importance of truth-telling initiatives, tackling uncomfortable truths head-on, acknowledging that reconciliation cannot be achieved without facing our shared history.

• The potential of corporate Australia to take on these efforts rather than relying on governments – that there is significant role for non-Indigenous Australia in Reconciliation, Truth Telling, healing and justice

• The need for ethical engagement with First Nations communities working alongside one another to produce positive change.

• The empowerment of First Nations communities and sustainable self-determination is rooted in investing in the development of skills among First Nations peoples.

• That education, particularly high school graduation is necessary to create significant progress in Closing the Gap outcomes.

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Through a mix of keynote speeches and panel discussions, the RAP Conference 2024 inspired renewed dedication to reconciliation, demanding actionable steps for advocating First Nations rights.  

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As the event concluded, it was evident that the conference did more than just facilitate conversation but also served as a driving force for actionable change, setting a clear agenda and equipping attendees to feel confident and ready to create meaningful conversations and events in their communities.

The journey ahead may be challenging, but the National RAP Conference has shed light on the power of unity and the significant role each and every one of us plays in paving the way towards a reconciled and equitable Australia.

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Some resources:

• https://nit.com.au/05-11-2024/14697/national-rap-conference-to-address-fallout-from-path-to-treaty-repeal

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/day-1-national-rap-conference-2024-steven-pelham-x2x3c/

• https://nit.com.au/08-11-2024/14746/powerful-voices-lead-the-way-at-rap-conference

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