AECOM Reaches Top 5% with Indigenous Reconciliation Plan

After 12 years of steady progress, AECOM has achieved what 95 percent of Australian companies haven't: a Stretch-level Reconciliation Action Plan that embeds Indigenous partnership into its core business strategy.

The infrastructure consulting firm announced the milestone in Brisbane, marking a significant deepening of its commitment to Australia's First Nations communities. Since starting its reconciliation journey in 2014, AECOM has progressively expanded its goals with each successive plan.

What sets the Stretch RAP apart is its ambition and accountability. The plan targets 95 percent of all staff to complete structured cultural learning, creates stronger employment pathways for Indigenous professionals, and builds lasting partnerships with First Nations businesses.

"As leaders in city-shaping infrastructure, we have the privileged opportunity to make sure what we deliver respects Country and safeguards the cultural knowledge and practices of our First Nations communities," said Mark McManamny, AECOM's chief executive for Australia and New Zealand.

The plan was developed in collaboration with Indigenous employees and external advisors whose lived experiences directly shaped the commitments. For the first time, AECOM's RAP committee includes an external First Nations community member who brings independent insight to guide implementation.

Corie Taylor, AECOM's First Nations engagement lead, emphasized the importance of this outside perspective. The independent voice helps challenge assumptions and strengthen the company's capacity for meaningful action beyond performative gestures.

The Ripple Effect

AECOM's reach extends far beyond its own workforce. The company works on major infrastructure projects across Australia that shape how cities grow and function. By embedding respect for Country and Indigenous cultural practices into these projects, the impact multiplies across communities.

The firm also shares its learnings with clients, helping other organizations advance their own reconciliation goals. This knowledge-sharing creates a ripple effect across the infrastructure sector, raising standards industry-wide.

The Stretch RAP focuses on three key areas: cultural capability for all employees, professional development opportunities for Indigenous staff, and procurement relationships with First Nations businesses. These commitments translate reconciliation from policy documents into daily business practice.

Reaching Stretch level places AECOM among a small group of Australian organizations demonstrating serious, long-term commitment to reconciliation. The achievement shows that meaningful change happens through sustained effort, not one-time initiatives.