The company’s RAP, which has been released this week, projects increasing annual supply chain with First Nations suppliers to $15.7 million by 2027, reflecting a long-term ambition to build a more inclusive and diverse network of trusted industry partners and support the growth and capability of indigenous businesses nationwide.
“This plan sets out the actions to advance our reconciliation journey in a meaningful way, with a focus on engagement with First Nations owned businesses, increasing our recruitment of First Nations employees and community investment activities," said BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer, Craig Lockhart.
“We are committed to building long term relationships and economic capability with First Nations communities we operate in.”
BAE Systems Australia’s fourth RAP is underpinned by activity in four priority areas:
- Community engagement & support with a focus on education.
- Employment and employment pathways with a focus on regional and remote communities.
- First Nations supply chain, mentoring, support, and engagement.
- Workforce environment and cultural development.
The focus of these activities will be at company sites driving significant growth, thereby ensuring a more profound impact on the lives of First Nations people by creating economic opportunities and building sustainable skills.
These sites include the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, Williamtown aerospace precinct in New South Wales, and the remote Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) sites in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.
“BAE Systems Australia continues to be part of a strong network of more than 3,000 corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have taken goodwill and transformed it into action,” said Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer, Karen Mundine.
The company’s annual expenditure targets for First Nations SMEs include $13 million in 2025, $14.3 million in 2026 and $15.7 million in 2027. For every $1 the company spends with certified First Nations suppliers (via Supply Nation), an estimated $4.41 of social return is generated, translating to a projected $190 million in social impact for First Nations communities.
Companies such as Hardy’s Fencing, a First Nations owned company located near Alice Springs, have improved the safety of BAE Systems Australia employees across JORN remote sites through the installation of snake-proofing measures around buildings at each site.
Hardy’s Fencing has also completed the TX (Transmit) Site installation, with work underway at the RX (Receive) site at Radar 3. This partnership has strengthened local relationships while enhancing site safety, underscoring the value of working with trusted community-based suppliers.
To date, BAE Systems Australia has 27 First Nations businesses active in its supply chain. Within its maritime businesses, the company has an ambitious plan to grow this number over the 30-year life of the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
This will be achieved through working in partnership with organisations such as Supply Nation, iDiC, and its customer, the Commonwealth Government of Australia, to develop up to 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
“BAE Systems Australia understands the importance of advancing sustainable initiatives and programs designed to increase meaningful engagement with First Nations communities, grow and develop the First Nations workforce, and establish strong relationships with First Nations businesses.”Angela Wiggins, Chief People Officer and Executive RAP Champion
This fourth RAP signals BAE Systems Australia’s intent on building greater momentum through practical actions and individual accountability. It also reinforces the company’s broader vision of an Australian community where First Nations people are embraced, and their culture celebrated.
The company will publicly report annually its RAP achievements, challenges, and learnings.