The Department of Finance has launched its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026–2028 – marking an important step in Finance’s ongoing journey to Reconciliation.
This is Finance’s fourth RAP, which builds on established foundations and reinforces our shared responsibility to turn commitment into action. The 2026–28 plan builds on what we’ve learned so far and sets out clear, measurable actions that will guide us over the next three years.
The Stretch RAP reflects a strengthened commitment to embedding Reconciliation into the department’s core functions, culture and influence across government, so it becomes ‘business as usual’. A Stretch RAP spans a three-year period and is focused on high impact commitments based on defined measurable targets and goals.
As a central agency, Finance plays a pivotal role in shaping national economic and financial policy. Through stewardship of budget processes, procurement policy, grants administration, and financial governance, Finance has a broad sphere of influence across government. This influence carries responsibility to ensure our systems and decision-making support equity, improve outcomes, and enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to lead, shape and benefit from government systems that affect them.
RAP guiding principles
The RAP is guided by three key principles:
- increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation
- creating a culturally safe workplace
- driving Reconciliation through Finance’s work.
These principles are delivered through four pillars – respect, relationships, governance and opportunities – providing a structured and accountable framework for action.
Commonwealth Priority Reforms Roadmap: Building APS Readiness for Transformation
The RAP aligns with the Commonwealth Priority Reforms Roadmap which sets out actions for APS agencies to deliver on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The Roadmap reinforces the importance of transformation as core business and highlights the need for sustained leadership accountability, capability uplift, authentic partnerships, aligned systems, and improved use of data and evidence to demonstrate progress.
These themes are reflected in the RAP through clear deliverables, accountable roles, and a commitment to ongoing measurement and reporting.
RAP launch event
To reflect the significance of this initiative, the RAP was launched on 31 March 2026 in the atrium at One Canberra Avenue. The strong staff engagement demonstrated a shared commitment across the department to Reconciliation and sustained action.
The event commenced with a Rite of Passage, acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land, and concluded with a cultural performance to recognise the importance of culture and storytelling.
The Secretary’s address and remarks from Finance’s Culture and Diversity Champion highlighted the importance of the RAP and Finance’s responsibility to contribute to system transformation through policy, systems, and workplace culture.
Through sustained leadership, partnership, and accountability, Finance will continue to embed reconciliation into the way we operate and the impact we have across government and the communities we serve.
RAP launch photo gallery
The Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network Champions holding the signed RAP.
Secretary Matt Yannopoulos providing an opening address
Ngunnawal Elder, Uncle Wally Bell providing a Rite of Passage
Canberra based artist and Yidiniji man, Greg Joseph, playing the didgeridoo
Event MC and Finance’s Culture and Diversity Champion, Richard Windeyer
