Reconciliation Action Plan
TasNetworks acknowledges the palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal community) as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lutruwita (Tasmania). We acknowledge the palawa have maintained their spiritual and cultural connection to the land and water. We pay respect to Elders past and present and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
On 9 April 2024, we proudly launched our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at TIAGARRA in Devonport, in collaboration with the Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation. TIAGARRA is one of the oldest Aboriginal operated Museum and Keeping Places in Australia, and the oldest resident structure situated on the Mersey Bluff.
The culturally significant event marked the commencement of TasNetworks' second reconciliation action plan. TasNetworks' Chief Executive Officer, Dr Seán Mc Goldrick said, “TasNetworks is absolutely committed to the cause of reconciliation and building relationships, respect and trust between the wider community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The TasNetworks Innovate RAP is our public commitment to protecting Aboriginal Heritage, creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that is culturally safe and proud, and deepening our partnership with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community.”
On 2 June 2021, we proudly launched our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan at the Aboriginal Elders Council in Launceston. Through the Reflect RAP, we achieved positive momentum with Aboriginal engagement and reconciliation, such as implementing a responsible Procurement Standard; building relationships with utilities to enhance First Nations engagement; implementing Acknowledgement of Country protocols across the business; developing community partnerships; implementing improvements to Aboriginal Heritage procedures; and providing cultural awareness training to TasNetworks’ leaders and team members.
Noting the four stages of a RAP (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate), TasNetworks’ Innovate RAP marks an important step on our path to genuine and lasting reconciliation. The Innovate RAP builds upon the momentum of the Reflect RAP, further embedding actions and intention into our daily practices to ensure we are proactively moving forward and making tangible changes.
Tasmania is renowned for its wild and unique beauty, diverse terrain and clean air and our network spans across the state. It is increasingly important that we understand Aboriginal cultural heritage, and respectfully consult with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community to protect and nurture the country and its story.
We are honoured to be taking steps to help shape a future of equality, respect and unity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Protecting Threatened Species
We're passionate about protecting our iconic Tasmanian wildlife and are working hard to minimise risks that our overhead poles and wires pose to birds of prey, such as Wedge-tailed Eagles, Grey Goshawks and White-bellied Sea Eagles.
Responsible Procurement
We're committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implement and enforce effective systems and controls to ensure Modern Slavery is not taking place in our business or in any of our supply chains.
Community Partnerships
Through our partnerships, we're connecting with and investing in the diverse communities that make our island unique, to deliver projects that are creating a better tomorrow.
Waste Management
In the course of doing business, we produce waste material and resource flows. This includes the essential resources we use during the construction, maintenance and replacement of network and telecommunications assets, as well as waste associated with our work and the provision of IT and fleet services.