Wherever I travel, I hear feedback about Telstra’s services and the role we play in people’s lives. In the Northern Territory, that feedback is often about the importance of reliable connectivity and infrastructure—especially for our most remote customers, some of whom I had the privilege of meeting and listening to on a special visit to the Tiwi Islands as part of my trip. It’s a reminder of the responsibility we carry and the opportunity we have, to make a real difference.
Our FY26–28 Stretch RAP — outlines four key areas of focus: infrastructure, employment, procurement, and digital inclusion. These pillars reflect our commitment to reconciliation and our purpose—to build a connected future so everyone can thrive.
Investing in infrastructure
Over the past three years, we’ve delivered new or upgraded infrastructure to 30 regional or remote First Nations communities. This work continues in our new RAP, with 68 new co-investment projects identified in partnership with the Territory and Federal Governments.
These projects are about more than connectivity—they’re about enabling access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. They’re about ensuring that no one is left behind.
Elevating First Nations employment
First Nations employment at Telstra currently sits at 1.3% of our direct Australian workforce—319 people. While we’re proud of this, it is below our target, so our new RAP includes a refreshed First Nations Talent strategy, designed to elevate employment opportunities and ensure Telstra is a culturally safe and inclusive workplace. In 2024, we ensured every Telstra employee completed online cultural learning, and this is now part of onboarding for all new team members.
More than 1,750 leaders and team members have also participated in face-to-face cultural awareness training and we’re committing funding for a further 1,500 employees to take part.
Supporting First Nations businesses
Procurement is a powerful lever for economic participation. Over the last three years, we achieved ~$48 million in procurement from First Nations businesses. Our new RAP sets an ambitious new target: $50 million annually by the third year.
This is about creating opportunities, building partnerships, and supporting the growth of First Nations enterprises.
Driving Digital Inclusion
Digital inclusion has been a priority for Telstra for more than a decade. Our journey began in 2013 with in-depth interviews with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to understand the barriers to digital access.
We learned that infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Affordability, digital literacy, and culturally appropriate engagement are just as critical.
These insights have shaped digital literacy programs like inDigiMOB and research programs like Mapping the Digital Gap which continues to inform our approach. Today, we have a strong evidence base, targeted programs, and a Closing the Gap indicator to guide our efforts.
We’re also seeing real change through the work of the Federal Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, and we were lucky enough to have Co-Chairs Ms Dot West OAM and Professor Lyndon Ormand Parker as guest speakers at our RAP launch.
Looking ahead
The actions in our new RAP are core to Telstra’s Connected Future 30 strategy. They reflect our commitment to understanding our customers deeply, anticipating their needs, and delivering reliable connectivity.
This RAP is about how we do that for First Nations communities—through listening, building trust, and making a difference.
I want to thank everyone who contributed to this RAP and those who will bring it to life. I’m proud to be Telstra’s Ambassador for this important work, and my Leadership Team and I are deeply committed to its successful delivery.
Together, we’re building a connected future—so everyone can thrive.
