The Uluru Statement from the Heart – which calls for the establishment of a ‘First Nations Voice’ in the Australian Constitution, as well as a Makarrata Commission aimed at supervising a process of agreement-making and truth-telling between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – has picked up the support of Willis Towers Watson (WTW) Australia.
“Our team has recognised the historic importance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the next steps required to drive true reconciliation,” said WTW’s Simon Weaver, head of Australasia and head of corporate risk & broking for Asia-Pacific, in a release.
“Offering indigenous Australians a constitutionally-guaranteed voice so they can determine what works best in their own communities is a major step for all Australians to take together for a better future. This is a core reflection of WTW’s beliefs. WTW is committed to championing diversity and inclusion in a myriad of forms, across our business, in everything we do.”
At this year’s Dive In festival, WTW hosted a webinar featuring From the Heart director Dean Parkin.
Commenting on the broking giant’s backing, Parkin stated: “Action from Australian companies raises awareness, which is invaluable in helping to gain support for a Voice. Our research shows that once people hear about a Voice, and if they are undecided, they are more likely to become supporters.
“We thank WTW for getting behind our campaign to achieve a Voice, and I hope to see many more such announcements from corporate Australia.”
Weaver, who said they are proud to be part of the building momentum that has the potential to bring genuine reconciliation, went on to say: “WTW supports the call for a referendum to enable constitutional recognition, and we encourage everyone to join in a national conversation on the aspirations within the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”
Making the same call is Adam Rhodes, Western Australian general manager for corporate risk & broking and the leader of WTW’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
“A Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, guaranteed by the Australian Constitution, is our chance to create a unifying moment for all Australians and gives a fair go to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” asserted Rhodes.
“We urge everyone, and the federal parliament, to accept the invitation contained within the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”
