The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a business initiative which documents what organisations can do within their sphere of influence to contribute to "reconciliation" in Australia, outlining practical actions they can take.

The decision to develop the RAP was taken in 2015, with Gold Coast 2018 claiming it would help to generate awareness and recognise indigenous culture, as well as building respect for traditional land owners.

Many initiatives have already been implemented, Gold Coast organisers have claimed.

It is hoped the plan will help to increase understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, which it is hoped will in turn increase respect of the values, culture and heritage of Australia’s First Peoples.

Gold Coast 2018 have already become a member of Supply Nation, a non-profit organisation which aims to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector, as well as supporting their participation in tender processes.

The involvement of Gold Coast 2018 in celebrating National Reconciliation Week was viewed as another example of how the RAP has boosted awareness and engagement.

"The team at Gold Coast 2018, comprised of people from more than 14 countries, are embracing elements of the Yugambeh language and learning about the traditional owners and heritage of the Gold Coast - that is a great early legacy of this initiative," said Peter Beattie, the chairman of Gold Coast 2018. 

"The generation of greater awareness of the region’s traditional heritage also sends a strong message to our Commonwealth friends that Gold Coast 2018 genuinely respects the traditional owners and is applying an authentic approach to the inclusion of culture into the delivery of Gold Coast 2018.

"We have just interviewed for an indigenous project officer who will continue to drive our RAP goals and work with our RAP implementation team to ensure we make the most of the opportunity to involve and engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

"A newly appointed diversity recruitment partner will also support the implementation of the RAP and the development of indigenous, multicultural and accessibility programs and initiatives across the organisation.

"This is the first time a major international multi-sport event has developed a RAP and we will continue to work with the Queensland Government to finalise the detail ahead of its launch later this year."

Beattie claimed that acknowledging the traditional owners of the land set a strong foundation for Gold 2018.

He claimed the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols would be standard practice at all Gold Coast 2018 events.

Josh Slabb, a worker for local aboriginal company Banaam, said the engagement of Gold Coast 2018 was important in helping to share insights of their heritage and culture.

"Understanding is the foundation for systemic solutions," he said.

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games are due to take place from April 4 to 15 in 2018.