Can An “Indigenous Employment Program” Work? A Case Study of National Australia Bank

Abstract

This article reports the results of a study of participants in the National Australia Bank (NAB) Indigenous Employment Program who have become permanent NAB employees. It presents evidence that a voluntary Affirmative Action program such as the Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) developed through Reconciliation Australia can have a positive effect on career and personal outcomes for the people involved. They can also be beneficial for the sponsoring organisation by encouraging a greater understanding by employees of Indigenous culture. The positive incentives for high profile organisations such as NAB to engage with the RAP program provide additional incentives for organisations to actively promote the position of Indigenous Australians.