Logistics platform C.H. Robinson welcomes new reconciliation plan

LOGISTICS management platform C.H. Robinson has announced its second Reconciliation Action Plan has been approved by Reconciliation Australia, the peak body in national reconciliation.

Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) intend to guide organisations toward advancing reconciliation, with positive, tangible outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The announcement coincides with National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27 May until 3 June.

C.H. Robinson chief human resources officer Angie Freeman said fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging is central to the company’s identity.

“We know that rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences and opinions help us innovate, think critically, better serve our customers and ultimately, make us stronger as a company,” she said.

The newest RAP is said to reinforce the company’s commitment to engaging and sustaining successful working relationships with First Nations peoples, businesses and communities.

C.H. Robinson Asia Pacific vice president Andrew Coldrey said the company is “committed more than ever” to building respect for First Nations peoples.

“The new RAP looks to tomorrow, where C.H. Robinson plans to achieve further genuine and meaningful outcomes with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, businesses and communities,” Mr Coldrey said.

As the new RAP is launched, the company has also highlighted its co-operation with the Indigenous Defence & Infrastructure Consortium to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses as participants in the international supply chain.

The new RAP reportedly lists the company’s future commitments including three new alliances with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers within the supply chain space and fostering an internal culture that welcomes change.

Since its first RAP was approved in 2019, C.H. Robinson has arranged company-wide cultural awareness training, a smoking ceremony to officially open its head office in Melbourne and an increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business spending.

“Our journey is only beginning as we learn and understand what it means to explore the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business opportunities within the supply chain space,” Mr Coldrey said.

“C.H. Robinson has a role to play in building capabilities in these companies and we are excited about the possibilities of bringing our continuous learning culture to help Indigenous businesses grow in the supply chain space.”