Inclusion at societal fault lines: Aboriginal peoples of Australia

This chapter discusses the steps that societies and organizations must take to redress the longstanding social and economic exclusion in their midst, focusing on the case in which two societies within one nation collide. It examines the historical context of Aboriginal peoples in Australian society. This is followed by a case study of how Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) pioneered a new organizational approach to advance the social and economic inclusion of Aboriginal contractors in the Pilbara region of Australia. The issue of societal fault lines within a nation is examined. The chapter considers some of the issues of diversity and inclusion that organizations may face when operating in a country in which there are internal societal fault lines. The contemporary situation for the majority of Australian Aboriginals remains one of societal and economic exclusion. The challenge for organizations and governments is to identify ways to turn this situation around.