Corporate Express (Staples) has launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which details how the company plans to contribute towards indigenous reconciliation.
"The launch of our indigenous employment strategy is a key milestone for Corporate Express. It's about finding and creating opportunities to introduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into real vacancies and encourages applications for genuine permanent positions," said Corporate Express vice-president of human resources Michael Knight.
Knight said the RAP included the company's commitment to supplier diversity by supporting indigenous-owned businesses.
"This includes being a founding member of the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC) and using and reselling AIMSC-certified products and services," he said.
"By focusing on what we do best – warehousing and distribution – we can make a difference to indigenous economic development," said Staples/CE president Jay Mutschler.
"By partnering with AIMSC-certified indigenous businesses, we can help get their products out to Australia, growing their business and therefore employing more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff," he said.
Reconciliation Australia CEO Leah Armstrong added: "Corporate Express' goal of creating diversity through its customers, workforce and suppliers has been a particularly successful RAP action and is an achievement to be proud of. As a key supply chain player, Corporate Express is uniquely placed to make a difference in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic development – and it's great to see another RAP partner successfully build an ongoing partnership with AIMSC."
