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Reconciliation

Our vision

Our vision for Reconciliation is for an Australia of equality where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians can walk side-by-side, acknowledging the past, but looking to the future.

We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have suffered immeasurable harm since colonisation.

The dispossession of land, genocide, removal of children and the ongoing failures of justice have severely damaged their cultures, family systems, languages and spirit.

This harm has been done to strong, proud and resilient peoples from many diverse nations.

We recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for their histories spanning tens of thousands of years.

We value and celebrate cultures that derive spiritual strength from the relationship with, and care of land, the strength of family and community systems and the storylines of proud and resilient peoples.

An indigenous women sitting in a park looking at the camera

Our Reconciliation framework

To realise our vision for reconciliation, we’re using a framework guided by Reconciliation Victoria and Reconciliation Australia. The framework includes:

  • a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – a practical action plan built on meaningful relationships, enhanced respect and sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • an Aboriginal Advisory Group – a group that oversees the development and implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan.

You can learn more about the RAP program on Reconciliation Australia’s RAP page.

Innovate RAP

We launched our Innovate RAP in June 2021.

Our Innovate RAP commits to 18 specific actions, comprised of over 60 individual tasks, within the 2021–23 period.

Our vision is Building a Just Society and we recognise there can be no true Justice without Treaty and truth-telling. We see the commencement of an Innovate RAP at this time as a way to guide and measure part of our journey not as the journey itself.

Download our Reconciliation Action Plan

Voice to Parliament

Jesuit Social Services supports a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.

We believe that the Voice will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in determining their own lives, and contribute towards shaping a society in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians can join hands together, acknowledging the past and looking to the future.

Voice to Parliament web resources