PwC Australia supports reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Australi-ans. For many years we have proudly supported the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which includes a First Nations Voice to Parliament being enshrined in Australia’s Constitution.
PwC and PIC’s Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), documents this support, as well as our commitment to inform our people on the campaign for Constitutional reform. Our current Elevate RAP has been extended until June 2024, when we will launch the next iteration. Our ambition is to support empowerment and self-determination for First Nations peoples and communities including helping to catalyse the emerging Indigenous economy, by assisting clients and communities to come together to design and deliver better outcomes.
Our RAP efforts are focused on increasing economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, developing our own cultural competency, deepening our relationships via pro bono support and strategic partnerships and collaborating on issues of importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, such as housing security and culturally appropriate housing. Our ability to deliver on our reconciliation commitments is only possible through our people engaging and working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In recognition of the impact of the global pandemic on our business, in December 2022 Reconciliation Australia granted PwC and PIC an interim plan and extended our Elevate RAP until June 2024. Our Interim Elevate RAP details the actions we have taken to accelerate our efforts in areas where they were disrupted by COVID, and also some new commitments.
In February 2023 we launched the First Nations Academy to enable First Nations employees to build their skills and grow their careers and in February 2023 we held a PwC and PIC First Nations Networking Summit on Gadigal Country. Supporting First Nations employees to enhance their networks, skills and knowledge is an integral part of the First Nations Academy, and in April 2023 we launched our mentoring and coaching offerings. We have connected Associate and Senior Associates from PwC and PIC with Directors and Partners as Mentors to develop their skills during the early stages of their career. For our Managers and Senior Managers, we have partnered with Ezra to provide access to Professional Coaches to support their goals as leaders or future leaders.
In partnership with Traditional Custodians and local community organisations, we continue to provide opportunities for our people to participate in Cultural Immersion activities. Delivered locally in each office location these immersive experiences enhance our people’s connections with the community and Country in which we work and live.
We also renamed key spaces in our Naarm (Melbourne) office using language words from the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung language as the local Traditional Custodians of Country. It’s a key commitment of our RAP and further offices will follow in FY24.
Together with PIC, we will continue to embed our new First Nations Academy and implement a PwC and PIC First Nations Impact Strategy that spearheads our direction and commitment to meaningful change and impact for First Nations peoples and communities.
The Voice to Parliament
The Australian Government is holding a referendum on whether the Constitution should be altered to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
As part of our public support of the ‘Yes’ campaign, we established a Voice Working Group to develop a program of events across our offices, harnessing PwC's and PIC's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expertise to ensure alignment to the Yes campaign. The aim is to provide clear, accurate information from both sides of the debate, equipping our people with the information to discuss the Voice, referendum process, and make an informed decision.
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to our firm’s reconciliation efforts. Our impact has largely been due to our ability to unlock the potential and passion of our people, while ensuring that our approach is informed by, inclusive of, and where appropriate led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.
The PwC & Murra Boost Initiative
The PwC & Murra Boost Initiative is a partnership between PwC and the Murra Alumni of the Melbourne Business School, whereby we provide $30,000 in skills and expertise to support a winning Indigenous Business to support a specific issue that will allow for future growth.
Acknowledging the importance and impact of connection, for this year only, Indigenous Business Month co-founders are not facilitating the national Indigenous Business Month awards competition. Instead, individuals and communities across the country are encouraged to award exposure to their local Indigenous businesses and experience the collective sense of pride that is generated when we gather, together.
To this effect, the Murra Boost Initiative is postponed until 2024.
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