Australian corporate and business leaders have reiterated their stance on supporting the Indigenous Voice to parliament after the referendum was defeated over the weekend, emphasising the business world’s responsibility to invest in social issues.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES) managing director, Rob Scott, acknowledged the outcome of the referendum and told the Australian Financial Review that the company respected the referendum’s outcome.
"While the country resolved not to amend our Constitution, there’s never been more awareness of the significant challenges facing many Indigenous people, with Australians troubled by the lack of progress,” he told the AFR.
“On all sides of the debate, there was a consensus around the need for practical measures that will have impact and deliver benefits for Indigenous communities, particularly in health and wellbeing, education, housing and employment. We must seize this momentum.”
Wesfarmers donated $2 million to the Yes campaign alongside mining and finance giants, including BHP (ASX:BHP) Group Ltd (LSE:BHP, ASX:BHP) and ANZ.
Business Council of Australia remains resolute
There has been strong criticism from the ‘No’ campaign and its supporters over corporate donations to the opposing side, but the Business Council of Australia (BCA) has not rescinded its support.
“Our members are, and remain, committed to the social, cultural and economic prosperity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” BCA chief executive Bran Black said.
“We have translated that commitment into action through Reconciliation Action Plans, by being major employers of Indigenous Australians and through investing in communities.
“Our landmark Raising the Bar initiative has contributed to an Indigenous business sector which is estimated to add up to $12 billion to the Australian economy.”
Rather than being cowed into submission by the result and subsequent backlash, many business leaders have instead taken the opportunity to restate their positions.
“Addressing Indigenous disadvantage in Australia supports a stronger economy, reduced inequality and strengthens the cultural fabric that allows us to aim for a brighter future,” Zip (ASX:ZIP) Co chair Diane Smith-Gander said.
So, now there is no Voice I will be seeking opportunities to advocate even more on this topic.”
Mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) also weighed in, despite a checkered past with indigenous issues.
“Relationships with indigenous peoples are fundamentally important to BHP and our business,” BHP president Australia Geraldine Slattery said.
“BHP operates on traditional lands, we have many agreements and partner widely with Indigenous communities and traditional owners, and we are the largest indigenous employer in the Australian resources sector.
“BHP will continue to engage with traditional owners and Indigenous partners, employees and organisations to understand their priorities, and inform our approach.”
Rio Tinto Australia chief executive Kellie Parker echoed the sentiment.
“The relationships we have with indigenous peoples, including the agreements we have with traditional owners of the lands on which we operate, are a priority for us,” Parker stated.
“This includes a focus on promoting greater recognition and inclusion of indigenous people in decision-making processes, particularly relating to our mining operations and the impact on Indigenous lands and communities.”