Commercially driven social benefit: a structured approach to Aboriginal engagement
Craig JonesSantos
The APPEA Journal 50(1) 319-322 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ09019
Published: 2010
Abstract
Most corporate approaches to engagement with Aboriginal Australians are determined by a tension between two poles: seeking access by minimal legal compliance or a form of enlightened charity known as corporate social responsibility which, in turn, is driven by a tension between the simple concept of charity and seeking a social licence to operate. Obviously companies require both legal access and a social licence to operate. The Santos model of Aboriginal engagement proposes community driven commerciality through a structured process that seeks to manage project risk in terms of cost, delay and legal action.
Importantly, Aboriginal engagement at Santos is about development of sustainable relations with Aboriginal communities and to contribute to those communities to, in turn, becoming sustainable.
Projects and legal compliance provide an opportunity for Aboriginal people and companies to sit at the table together. The development of the project to the operation phase allows the company and the community to plan for, and achieve sustainability in a mutually beneficial manner.
Craig Jones has worked for the last 20 years in the area of community development and particularly with indigenous peoples. His work has taken him to all parts of Australia and across all sectors: government, Aboriginal organisations, academic and now resources. Craig has worked at Santos for the last four years as the Principal Adviser, Indigenous Affairs. At Santos Craig has been developing an Aboriginal engagement program to guide the company’s interactions with Aboriginal peoples across Australia. Craig is also an nationally accredited mediator. In this context Craig is interested in the use of non-adversarial methods in negotiation with Aboriginal communities to achieve native title and cultural heritage outcomes. Craig’s most recent projects include completing his Doctorate on mediation/negotiation with Aboriginal peoples and providing mediation training to the judiciary in the Solomon Islands. Craig.Jones@santos.com |
