Reconciliation Action Plan

Supplier diversity

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses are about 100 times more likely to employ First Australians than any other business. That’s game changing when it comes to addressing the 24.2% gap in employment rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

This is relevant for all sectors, including ours, because the Australian Government is leveraging its annual multi-billion procurement spend to grow the Indigenous business sector. Indigenous Participation Plans, which include procurement targets, are fast becoming an important focus for businesses like Thrifty tendering for substantial Government contracts.

"Thrifty is proud to be the only car rental company with Supply Nation membership. It has allowed us to successfully gain new corporate contracts as an increasing number of businesses look to expand their Indigenous participation and community commitment." - Maureen

Since 2014 we've been a member of Supply Nation, which helps us offer certified and capable Indigenous-owned businesses the opportunity to compete for supplier contracts. Since launching our RAP we've increased our procurement from Indigenous-owned businesses by 83% and added Position Promo and Shine Recruitment to our preferred supplier list. It's a small start but participating in forums like Supply Nation's Leadership Roundtable is one way we're learning more about supplier diversity in action.

Cultural learning

The cultures of our First Nations peoples are something we can all be proud of, something we can all learn from and celebrate. Our RAP launch, which included a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony in front of 140 attendees, is one of 31 events that have observed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols. Now one of our CareerTrackers interns is working with Local Aboriginal Land Councils to help us recognise the Traditional Owners of the lands on which all of our businesses operate.

Thanks to face-to-face training by Arrilla and Corporate Culcha, we've helped 94 employees increase their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and our shared history. Following these sessions more employees have engaged with our RAP and have been prepared to self-identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person within the business.

Driver licensing

Since 2014, we have grown our Learner Driver Mentor Program, providing licensing support that helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples access mobility and the opportunities it brings. This program offers end-to-end assistance throughout the Graduated Licensing Scheme, including access to registered vehicles and volunteer driving supervisors.

This program is delivering real change for the 39 graduates, who have all now gained their driver licence.

In September of 2017, we partnered with Australian Red Cross to support 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to get their licence and open pathways to study and work.

Participants use Australian Red Cross volunteer learner driver mentors as well as professional NRMA Driver Trainers to accrue the hours, experience and knowledge needed to get their licence.

Having a licence can also help people better meet the needs of their families and be an active part of their community. In Raymond Terrace, we’re partnering with Rotary and Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation to help 10 Indigenous participants obtain their licence. Read more

Capacity building

We've taken our first steps to help key leaders respectfully engage with Indigenous colleagues, Members, suppliers and the wider community. However, an online learning module will mean all employees can access Indigenous cultural awareness resources from any location at any time. Our frontline employees in particular have asked for shift work-friendly, real-world resources. So we've engaged Workstar to share their expertise in experiential learning with Corporate Culcha and together enhance their culturally-rich eLearning offering.

Our people have also been transferring their skills to the Bawurra Foundation; a non-profit organisation using technology to preserve and share Indigenous culture and help close the literacy gap. Senior leaders from our Technology and Travel divisions are mentoring members of Bawurra's leadership team to help them scale their impact. What's more, Thrifty and NRMA Holiday Parks has donated transport and accommodation and our 25 Year Club has fundraised to help Bawurra visit more communities.

"Thank you again for all the help you've given us so far. We had an awesome trip up to Taree, connecting with community and donating devices to Taree Public School. The community responded warmly to our donations and are eager contribute to the library." - Jesse

Working together

Together we can build momentum. Together we can drive positive social change. We’re committed to developing genuine, trusting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our organisation and beyond.

Our RAP is championed by Executive General Manager Partnerships and Growth, Peter Colacino. Our RAP working group comprises 24 employees from every division and is guided by two Aboriginal employees from the Kamilaroi and Darug nations.

In November 2017 we formalised our external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory group. We are incredibly humbled that the following respected community leaders have agreed to provide us with cultural advice and guidance:

• Laura Berry CEO Supply Nation
• Paul Dodd CEO & Director Corporate Culcha
• Shannon Foster D'harawal Saltwater Knowledge Keeper
• Phil Lockyer Indigenous Engagement Manager IAG
• Ivan Simon President Aboriginal Children's Advancement Society
• Mark Spinks, Chairperson Babana Aboriginal

The first twelve months of RAP implementation would not be possible without our partners, advisors and the community. We understand our reconciliation journey still has a long way to go and we look forward to building stronger relationships with Traditional Owners, organisations and community members as we strive towards our shared vision.