The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has released its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). It outlines the initiatives that will be delivered to increase opportunities for First Nations businesses, entrepreneurs, and job seekers.
The ARA joins a network of more than a thousand corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program.
The ARA RAP includes a number of initiatives to foster deeper relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations as well as offerings and forums to support First Nations businesses. Free ARA membership for one year will also be provided to new First Nations retailers, with unrestricted access to the industry body’s full suite of offerings and content.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra says the RAP is an important step in the ARA’s reconciliation journey.
“Improving policy outcomes around diversity, equality and inclusion is a key priority for us at the ARA,” he says.
“Our RAP outlines our commitment to reconciliation and the steps we’ll be taking to enhance relationships with First Nations groups and provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders businesses, entrepreneurs, and job seekers, while we take the foundational steps needed to build our own internal capability.”
Mr Zahra adds: “The launch of our RAP also provides an opportunity to declare the ARA’s strong support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a referendum to establish a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution. These changes are significant steps forward in Australia’s reconciliation journey, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard and can advise on matters of national importance.
“I commend the RAP to our retail community and stakeholders, and we look forward to working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians alike to start bringing our vision for reconciliation to life.”
The ARAs RAP can be viewed here.