The conversation around Indigenous participation is shifting. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are no longer asking simply to be included in projects on their Country. They are seeking genuine partnerships, long-term economic opportunities and a seat at the table where decisions are made.

Santos says its newly launched 2030 Indigenous Participation Plan is a step towards that future, embedding Indigenous participation into every part of its Australian operations rather than treating it as a separate corporate initiative.

Released during NAIDOC Week, the plan sets new commitments across employment, career development, procurement and community partnerships, recognising that economic participation is a powerful form of self determination when Aboriginal people are trusted to lead, build businesses and create opportunities for future generations.

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Gallagher, said the company wanted Indigenous participation to become business as usual.

"Training, education and jobs are the building blocks for economic empowerment. We want to provide more opportunities for more people and more businesses," Mr Gallagher said.

"The Indigenous Participation Plan highlights our progress, sets targets and outlines initiatives in support of these goals.

"It is built on four pillars that span our business to provide a focus on Indigenous participation opportunities right across Santos."

The strategy focuses on four interconnected pillars: attracting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, supporting career progression, increasing Indigenous supplier participation and strengthening relationships with Traditional Owners and communities.

While many organisations continue to speak about reconciliation, Santos says the next step is ensuring Indigenous participation becomes embedded in procurement decisions, workforce planning and leadership across the company.

Since introducing its first Indigenous Participation Plan in 2021, Santos has nearly doubled its Indigenous workforce to three per cent of employees, increased annual Indigenous procurement from $9 million to $73 million, and significantly expanded cultural heritage work across its operations.

Those figures represent more than corporate targets. They reflect Aboriginal businesses securing contracts, families accessing stable employment and communities seeing greater economic benefit from development on their Country.

Importantly, the revised plan has been shaped by Aboriginal voices.

Following a 2022 Yarning Circle, Santos established its Indigenous Advisory Panel, bringing together six Traditional Owners from across Australia with members of the company's executive leadership to provide strategic guidance on employment, cultural heritage, procurement and community engagement.

Senior Larrakia Elder and Santos Indigenous Advisory Panel member, Bill Risk OAM, said creating economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities was about investing in future generations while building genuine, long-term relationships.

"Through Santos, local communities can start up businesses which can help our next generation," Mr Risk said.

"It's a credit to Santos that they have established the Indigenous Advisory Panel.

"I like to maintain and support the relationships that we have with Santos.

"I am very happy to be a part of the Indigenous Advisory Panel so that we can continue to strengthen our relationships."

Mr Gallagher said the panel had fundamentally strengthened the company's approach.

"We are listening to what's important and aiming to further improve our employment and procurement practices to help drive long-term benefits," he said.

"Since inception the IAP has made a meaningful difference to Santos' performance in Indigenous employment, procurement and promotion of culture."

The plan also recognises that Indigenous businesses need more than opportunities. They need systems that support growth.

Commitments include flexible payment terms for smaller Aboriginal businesses, supplier development programs, stronger Indigenous procurement expectations for major contractors, and greater investment in building the capability of Indigenous enterprises to compete across the supply chain.

On the employment front, Santos has committed to expanding education-to-employment pathways, strengthening mentoring programs, developing Indigenous leadership pathways and creating culturally safe workplaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees can build long-term careers rather than simply secure entry-level positions.

For Northern Territory communities, the strategy builds on investments already flowing through the Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund, which has supported projects including the Larrakia Nation Cultural Hub fit-out, Tiwi Rangers expansion, Minmarama and Kulaluk infrastructure upgrades, Injalak Arts and Crafts, Tiwi Resources and Mantiyupwi Oyster Farm.

Earlier this year, the fund also committed a further $2.9 million to a Community Laundries program supporting Aboriginal communities.

The updated plan reflects a growing understanding that Indigenous participation cannot be measured by employment statistics alone.

Success is also measured by whether Aboriginal businesses are thriving, whether Traditional Owners have a genuine voice in decision making and whether economic development strengthens communities while respecting culture, Country and kinship.

With operations spanning some of Australia's most culturally significant landscapes, Santos says its 2030 Indigenous Participation Plan is about embedding those principles into everyday business practice, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not simply participants in development, but partners in shaping its future.