Saab’s vision for reconciliation is an Australia free from racism, where First Nations peoples have equal opportunities to participate in STEM education pathways and careers and are employed in leadership roles throughout the defence industry.
"This Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is both an opportunity and
an invitation for Saab Australia to expand its understanding of its core strengths and deepen its relationship with its community, staff, and stakeholders." - Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer Reconciliation Australia.
Saab is committed to reconciliation and mindful of cultural load on individuals, therefore we have partnered with KSJ Consulting, a local 100% Aboriginal owned business. KSJ Consulting will provide First Nations representation on our RAP working group and guide us as we build meaningful, sustainable relationships with the local community.
Read more about Saab's commitment to reconciliation in our full Innovate RAP.
A constant reminder
To celebrate this crucial step of our reconciliation journey, Senior Kaurna man, Mickey O’Brien, led a ceremony to carve a traditional Kaurna shield from a tree that sits prominently in front of our Adelaide Headquarters.
Video - 2.30
Our reconciliation journey to date
2018
Launched Saab's Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
2018
Rolled-out cultural awareness training as optional for all employees
2018
Implemented the anti-discrimination policy
2018
Joined the Governor’s Indigenous Employment Group.
An employer-led initiative established to facilitate attitudinal changes to increase employment of First Nations peoples in South Australia. The Government of South Australia continues to implement policy reforms that have seen increased participation of First Nations peoples in training, and remains focused on providing training
opportunities for First Nations peoples that are linked to real job outcomes.
2019
Started our journey engaging with CareerTrackers
2019
Amended job advertisements to encourage First Nations applicants
2019
Implemented a cultural protocol document
2020
Created the First Nations traineeship framework so we can provide employment opportunities at theSaab facility in Queensland
2020
Implemented the Saab policy for Indigenous Participation in Procurement.
2021
Hosted our first CareerTracker intern
2021
Developed the nations cultural awareness workshop material by a First Nations consultant, which will be rolled out alongside the Innovate RAP
2021
Developed the National Indigenous Workforce Strategy, which is a foundation for attraction, recruitment, retention and development of First Nations employees
2021
Commenced a membership with Supply Nation, a non-profit organisation that aims to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector through the promotion of supplier diversity in Australia
2021
Rolled out training to Saab’s Purchase Order Managers on how to apply preference to First Nations suppliers
2021
Identified five categories to increase First Nations participation in the Saab supply chain
2021
Almost doubled our spend with First Nations businesses from the previous year.
2022
Commenced a partnership with Port Adelaide Football Club’s Community Youth Program
2022
Commenced Saab’s engagement with KSJ Consulting.