At Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion encompasses all aspects of identity, including race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more. We believe that embracing diversity not only enriches our firm but also strengthens our ability to make a positive impact for our clients.
As National Reconciliation week begins with a call to action of ‘Now more than ever’, we are proud to take another step forward in this journey by sharing our Statement of Reconciliation here.
In this statement, we affirm our dedication to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples by acknowledging and recognising several key points:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of Australia.
- The loss and grief held by Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders caused by alienation from traditional lands, loss of lives and freedom, and the forced removal of children.
- The customs and traditions of Indigenous Australians and their spiritual relationship with the land.
- The right of Indigenous Australians to live according to their own beliefs, values and customs, and the vital importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s contribution to strengthening and enriching the heritage of all Australians.
- The need for a partnership approach with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of addressing the needs of communities.
We have aligned our actions with Reconciliation Australia’s framework, focusing on activities to enhance Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance & Reporting.
In addition to development a Statement of Reconciliation, we have developed a number of actions across the business including best practice anti-discrimination policies; introduction of indigenous cultural training for all staff; and commitment to use of First Nations’ suppliers.
For more information please contact Andrew Massie.