We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Australia, the lands and waters on which we meet each day. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and we extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Reconciliation and closing the social, economic and health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians is an important issue for the Australian business community and Norton Rose Fulbright.
Our Stretch RAP reflects the next evolution of our reconciliation journey at Norton Rose Fulbright Australia. It builds on the progress we have made under our two previous RAPs, reaffirms our commitment to continuing our journey, and challenges us to achieve new targets as we pursue our vision for reconciliation. This vision is stand with Australia’s First Nations peoples, provide them with platforms for their voices to be heard, and create pathways and opportunities for meaningful participation in our firm and our community.
Our RAP sets out actions that will help us increase business and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also details our commitment to building cultural awareness amongst staff, and provides opportunities for our people to be involved in meaningful and long lasting reconciliation initiatives.
We are supporting the proposed Voice to Parliament in 2023. This is consistent with our previous public statement of support calling for the establishment of a First Nations' Voice enshrined in the Constitution, and for a referendum as a national priority, made with 17 other law firms in 2019. This is an important next step toward reconciliation for all Australians and is consistent with our Reconciliation Action Plan and our ongoing support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. #Ulurustatement #Firstnationsvoice #reconciliation #Yes23.
We are proud that our pro bono legal practice has a strategic focus on supporting First Nations communities and a commitment to direct more than 10% of our annual pro bono hours to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations.