With more pathways for First Nations peoples into the technology profession, and kindred partnerships forged with organisations such as DeadlyScience and CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, Kinetic IT is ready to enter the next phase of its reconciliation journey.
Today, Kinetic IT embarks on its second Reconciliation Action Plan, reaffirming its commitment to driving lasting change across the technology sector and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Building on the foundations of its 2023 Reflect RAP, this next phase shifts from intent to meaningful action with a clear focus on employment, procurement, cultural safety, and community partnerships. It also reflects Kinetic IT’s broader ambition to create a more inclusive, representative industry across its customers and the communities it serves.
“We’ve taken time to listen, to learn, and to build relationships grounded in trust and cultural respect. This next stage is about taking everything we’ve learned - what worked, what challenged us - and using it to deepen our impact.”
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a strategic framework developed by Reconciliation Australia that supports organisations to build respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
RAPs are structured around four key pillars: relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance. These pillars provide a clear roadmap for weaving reconciliation into an organisation’s culture, systems, and everyday operations. Through practical actions and measurable commitments, RAPs enable organisations to contribute to national reconciliation while making a tangible difference within their own communities and networks.
“In partnership with First Nations-led initiatives and organisations, we’ve seen the importance and impact of embedding cultural inclusion into the work we do and participate in,” Michael said. “In particular, the Indigenous traineeships program has opened doors for talented individuals to step into tech careers they may not have seen as possible before.”
“It’s shown us that when you create a culturally safe environment and back it with real opportunities, people and communities thrive.”
A vision shaped by voices and values
Central to the RAP is Kinetic IT’s vision for an Australian technology industry enriched by the knowledge, leadership, and contributions of First Nations peoples.
Kinetic IT’s Innovate RAP outlines a strategic push towards achieving a 3% First Nations workforce representation by 2027 – a significant increase from the current 1.87%. This will be supported by expanded traineeship programs, culturally safe recruitment pathways, and stronger partnerships with First Nations employment agencies like Mob Jobs, Outback Talent and Calleo Indigenous.
With more than 1,500 employees nationally, Kinetic IT is working to ensure First Nations representation is not only reflected in its workforce, but also in its decisions, partnerships, and services.
“Reconciliation is something we carry through into the work we do with our customers and the communities we operate in,” said Mark Parker, Executive Sponsor of Kinetic IT’s RAP.
“Whether it’s helping a government agency strengthen its service culture or supporting a young First Nations person into their first tech role, we all have the opportunity to contribute to building respectful, inclusive environments,” he said.
“Our RAP is a practical roadmap. It’s about creating real jobs, listening to community voices, building stronger partnerships, and making sure cultural understanding is part of how we deliver value for our customers. As an Australian company, we’re in a position to make a real difference. Thanks to our RAP Working Group, our First Nations crew, and our community partners, we’re taking the next step with purpose and a clear commitment.”
Creating pathways and platforms for success
The RAP includes key initiatives such as Kinetic IT’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Traineeship campaign, which welcomed 16 new hires in 2024, 62% of whom were women.
The RAP also champions procurement reform through the implementation of a Supplier Diversity Policy. With a target of increased organisational spend directed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, the policy is helping Kinetic IT align its purchasing power with its values. Spend has already increased by 20% since the launch of the Reflect RAP.
Community engagement is embedded into the plan, from participation in National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events, to storytelling platforms like the company’s Katalyst Podcast, which features First Nations leaders and cultural educators such as Aunty Munya Andrews and Professor Corey Tutt OAM. The work builds on existing relationships with CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, Cross Cultural Consultants and Evolve Communities.
Leading with cultural humility
An integral feature of the Innovate RAP is the deliberate focus on cultural safety and respect, starting from the earliest stages of employment.
All Talent Acquisition specialists at Kinetic IT are now trained in cultural awareness, with several undertaking allyship accreditation through Evolve Communities. “The goal is to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crew feel supported throughout their career journey, this begins with early stage recruitment and onboarding in a culturally safe and supportive environment,” said Courtney Bohan, Senior Manager of DEI, Participation & Growth Enablement.
The RAP also includes initiatives to embed cultural protocols into everyday practice.
“It’s not just about making space, it’s about transforming the space. By working with our Deadly Mob @KIT affinity group and our Reconciliation Working Group, we are embedding reconciliation into the fabric of who we are.”
Looking forward, together
Kinetic IT’s second RAP includes actions designed to challenge systems, elevate First Nations voices, and build inclusive practices into every layer of the organisation.
“In the technology industry, progress is often measured in speed,” said Bohan. “But on the journey of reconciliation, our focus is on depth and building something that lasts.”
Learn more about Kinetic IT’s Innovate RAP and ongoing reconciliation commitments.
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