Across the country, there has been a noticeable quietening of national conversations around First Nations justice, recognition, and self-determination. Now is a crucial time to renew our shared commitment and strengthen support. Many Australians are uncertain about the path ahead for diversity and inclusion and what that means for First Nations communities in and beyond the workplace.
Reconciliation Australia is calling on all Australians to continue working towards a more just, inclusive, and respectful nation, one that learns from the past and acts in tangible ways, with purpose, to promote a continued national focus for reconciliation.
Karen Mundine (she/her), CEO of Reconciliation Australia, shared findings from the 2024 Australian Reconciliation Barometer (ARB). The Barometer is a national research study, undertaken every two years by Reconciliation Australia since 2008, and the only survey in Australia that measures the progress of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. The presentation included information and insights around emerging demographic groups showing strong support for reconciliation. Karen also presented results from the Workplace Reconciliation Barometer 2024 survey (WRB), conducted every two years among employees of RAP organisations. She compared results of both surveys.
Professor Peter Anderson (he/him), Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, University of New England, then led a discussion to explore Australia’s current state of reconciliation within the broader context of a shifting global climate.
Our panel included:
Dempsey Bloom (he/him), Know Your Customer Team Leader and Co-chair of the ANZ Reconciliation Network, ANZ
Sara Stuart (she/her), Head of Indigenous Affairs, Coles
Karen Mundine (she/her), CEO, Reconciliation Australia.