We are focused on reconciliation, and believe it is a pertinent time in our firm’s evolution to develop a more cohesive approach to our activity.
Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is underpinned by four key initiatives:
- Employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- Encouraging the use of Indigenous enterprises
- Equal opportunities
- Increased cultural awareness training
Through the Plan, we have committed to building a better understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous culture and communities, improving socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians and organisations, and promoting reconciliation. We aim to achieve this by strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations and, in turn, helping stimulate Indigenous entrepreneurship and business development.
Reconciliation is something we can all play a part in, and we value input from all levels of the firm. We have established an Employee Reference Group to discuss and obtain views on the Plan, as well as on our policies and practices relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At a grassroots level, we are particularly proud of our partnership with the University of Newcastle School of Law and Justice, with whom we have established ‘The Moray & Agnew Indigenous Shaping Futures Scholarship in Law’. This transformative financial scholarship enables us to provide annual support for an Indigenous law student in challenging personal circumstances to progress academically.
We also provide pro bono legal services to individual Indigenous Australians through the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service, and offer Sorry Business Leave to Indigenous staff in addition to their other leave entitlements. This enables them to attend traditional ceremonies and practices (known as Sorry Business) and supports those who are mourning the loss of a family member or connection to country.