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 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.
In 2023 our firm actively engaged with our community, both internal and external, to encourage awareness and information sharing ahead of the referendum. Ultimately it was up to the Australian people to make the decision and we respect the ‘No’ vote that resulted.
We reiterate our firm’s genuine and strong commitment to our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, and to reconciliation with First Nations people more broadly. We demonstrated this commitment by signing in 2019, with several other law firms, a letter in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and through our support for the proposed Voice to Parliament. We will find ways to continue this important commitment in coming years.
Publication
As part of our pro bono commitment to supporting First Nations people in Australia, this publication provides background information about the proposed First Nations Voice in anticipation of the upcoming referendum, likely taking place later this year.
© Norton Rose Fulbright LLP 2023
