Gladstone Ports Corp launches second Reconciliation Action Plan

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) today launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), committing to ambitious increases in employment targets for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander people.

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Curtis Pitt congratulated GPC on the launch of their RAP 2015-2018 which includes a procurement strategy to foster greater supplier diversity.

“As one of Gladstone’s major employers and economic contributors, it is encouraging to see that the Government-Owned Corporation is committed to improving relationships with, and understanding for, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander communities in which it operates,” Mr Pitt said.

“I applaud this outstanding commitment to closing the employment, education and economic gaps between Queensland’s Indigenous peoples and the broader Australian community.

“GPC is renowned for supporting young Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islanders through apprenticeships, traineeships and tertiary studies and this new Reconciliation Action Plan builds on that existing commitment.

“In a very real way GPC’s leadership is bettering our society and we wouldn’t be making this announcement if the LNP had privatised this great corporation.”

GPC is responsible for managing and operating Queensland’s most significant multi-cargo ports: Port of Gladstone, Port Alma Shipping Terminal and Port of Bundaberg.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the Port of Gladstone had affirmed its position as one of the most important ports in Queensland over the past few years, with a throughput of over 100 million tonnes per annum.

“Locals know that GPC is committed to this community and playing an active role in bettering social outcomes for generations to come,” Mr Butcher said.

“Gladstone Ports Corporation has also established a voluntary Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Port Curtis Coral Coast Native Title Claim Group.

“This agreement plays an important role in ensuring the responsible and respectful management of the lands and sea in this culturally and economically significant area.

“I would like to commend the team at Gladstone Ports Corporation for developing a Reconciliation Action Plan that seeks to continue fostering relationships and respect for the values, cultures and heritage of Australia’s First Peoples.”

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