A message from our CEO

Transcription

1 Reconciliation Action Plan Gadens Lawyers Sydney April

2 A message from our CEO It gives me great pleasure to introduce Gadens Lawyers first Reconciliation Action Plan. As an organisation, Gadens believes that reconciliation is important to our people, our clients, our community and Australia s future. Our RAP summarises our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, highlighting our efforts to date and guiding our future intentions. We recognise that the journey towards reconciliation involves commitment and collaboration and we look forward to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the challenges and rewards that our RAP journey promises. Ian Dardis CEO, Gadens Lawyers, Sydney Artwork courtesy of Maureen Hudson 2

3 About this RAP Our vision for reconciliation At Gadens we recognise that our enduring success requires economic growth that both protects and promotes social equity and ecological sustainability. We apply this philosophy in four spheres - our workplace, the marketplace, the community and the environment. Our RAP is one aspect of our broader program of sustainability initiatives that address the way we engage with our people and the broader community. We developed our RAP because we believe that as a large law firm we have a responsibility to play a role in helping to close the gap in the spirit of reconciliation. Our business Gadens Lawyers Sydney is part of the Gadens network of law firms which has offices in every mainland state and Papua New Guinea. Our clients, from ASX 100 companies to private enterprises, choose us to advise them on the legal issues that are at the heart of their businesses. We take a sustainable approach to the delivery of service and are committed to helping our clients, communities and people to grow. About Gadens RAP This plan sets out our journey to date and our future intentions in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities. There were two key drivers behind the development of our RAP: 1. Our desire to engage directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to work alongside the communities we engage with to help them achieve improved living standards and social and educational outcomes. 2. Our wish to broaden the appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by directly engaging our people and our clients with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and art in mutually beneficial ways. Our RAP, developed in consultation with our internal and external stakeholders, is our roadmap in these endeavours. The RAP Committee will take responsibility for monitoring our performance against our RAP objectives and reporting on the set targets. The RAP Committee has the support of Gadens Sydney s Senior Management. Our values - collaboration, openness, respect, excellence and integrity - are at the heart of everything we do. 3

4 Our journey so far In 2011, our desire to engage directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples saw Gadens develop a strong relationship with the remote Lilla Aboriginal Community, near Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory. During the year, one partner and two senior associates travelled to the remote outback community, where they got to know the local community and better understand their way of life. The firm also has a strong relationship with Remote Tours, an organisation that aims to close the gap through educational tours on the Lilla community s land. Through Remote Tours, students from around Australia can learn about Aboriginal culture through the community s elders and in exchange undertake some form of community development work. As part of our commitment to the Lilla Community, Gadens is supporting the Watarrka school that re-opened at Lilla in January The school, currently caters for approximately 15 students who otherwise wouldn t have access to a formal education. Through the purchase of a painting by renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist Maureen Hudson, Gadens provided funds for a food van which is being used to store and prepare nutritious meals for the children. Many of the children turn up to school with empty stomachs so providing them with nutritious meals is necessary to help them concentrate in class. During 2011, Gadens provided pro bono legal advice to Remote Tours and the Lilla Community in respect of the need for development consents for the operation of the business on the land owned by the Lilla community. Gadens looks forward to continuing to support the Lilla community and the school as it is vital that children in this remote part of Australia have access to an education, leading to greater opportunities for these children and their community in future. A representative of Gadens was fortunate enough to be in Lilla when the school was officially opened in September 2011 by the Hon Karl Hampton MLA, Minister for Central Australia with a traditional smoking ceremony. Below L-R: School children at the official opening of the school at Lilla; the outside of the school building. 4

5 Gadens has a long heritage of supporting the arts and since 2008 has been running educational workshops for staff on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art with Artija Fine Art. Gadens has also carried out a number of other pro bono projects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and individuals over the years. In 2011, the firm began to explore new ways to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. One of our senior associates was seconded to the remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Kintore through the Arts Law Centre s Wills Project. The Wills Project was set up because, despite the fact that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are highly successful commercially, many of them don t have wills. Our senior associate assisted members of the Kintore community to draft wills that would help to avoid future disputes and confusion over the artists estates. During 2011, the firm was also honoured to host Aboriginal artist Maureen Hudson in our Sydney office. Maureen gave a painting demonstration, and in a speech to staff she explained the meaning behind two of her paintings that the firm had purchased during the year. Top right, Maureen Hudson in front of one of her paintings in Gadens Sydney office. Left, artists at the remote Kintore community. 5

6 Relationships Relationships At Gadens Lawyers, our success depends on strong relationships with our clients and between our people. We view strong relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians as essential to achieving reconciliation. Likewise, the success of our RAP will depend on relationships between our organisation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Establish a RAP Committee, comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians, to support the development of the RAP. Head of Sustainability Program RAP Committee established by April 2012 RAP Committee to meet at least 4 times per year. Establish relationships and share experiences with other law firms involved in reconciliation initatives through the Legal Profession Reconciliation Network. RAP Committee March March 2013 At least one RAP Committee member to attend meetings and report back to the RAP Committee. Celebrate National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) by providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to build relationships. Head of Sustainability Program and RAP Committee Completed June 2012 Arrange an event in Reconciliation Week to celebrate local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and to promote reconciliation. Maintain / establish referral relationships with Aboriginal Legal Service. Pro Bono Coordinator December 2012 Two pro-bono matters in 2011/2012 (non-criminal) Establish referral relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service provider organisations in fields such as housing, aged care, banking, environment. Pro Bono Coordinator December 2012 Two pro-bono matters in 2011/2012 (non-criminal) Offer to partner with inhouse counsel with whom we have a relationship on pro bono opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Pro Bono Coordinator and relevant client relationship partner/s December 2012 Two offers of introduction made to clients during 2011/2012 6

7 Respect Gadens Lawyers has a diverse workforce and respect is one of the core values that we promote amongst our staff. Consistent with the high value we place on respect for one another, we see ourselves as having a role to play in encouraging respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, land and history within our workforce. Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Celebrate NAIDOC Week (1-8 July) by providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to engage with their culture and community through NAIDOC Week events. Head of Sustainability Program 8 July 2012 Offer to purchase tickets to NAIDOC Week Events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and allow time off work to attend an event if held during regular work hours. Develop an acknowledgement of country protocol for major client and staff functions and engage employees in understanding the protocols around acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country ceremonies to ensure there is shared meaning. RAP Committee Head of Sustainability Program Business Development 27 May 2012 (National Reconciliation Week) Develop, implement and communicate a protocol acknowledgement of country. Formally Launch our RAP with a staff event/briefing that informs them of the existence of the RAP, its aims and the relevant protocols. Promote cultural awareness and education, giving staff opportunities to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture Head of Sustainability Program RAP Committee December 2012 Ensure all new employees are aware of our RAP and welcome/ acknowledgement of country protocols during induction and the culturally appropriate behaviours expected. Host a lunchtime Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art talk for staff, sourcing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art expert. To promote and develop cultural awareness amongst staff, the Share our Pride cross cultural awareness online tutorial tool will be available on the Gadens intranet. All staff working on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pro bono matters will undertake cultural awareness training. 7

8 Opportunities We recognise that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have historically been denied access to a wide range of opportunities, and that as a result organisations may have missed out on valuable contributions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. At Gadens, we believe that education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians will assist in overcoming that historical injustice and lead to more equal opportunity. As lawyers, we would like to see greater access to justice for all Australians including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We provide pro bono legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians so that they have the opportunity to access legal representation. Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Investigate mutually beneficial opportunities that supplier diversity could provide to Gadens Lawyers. Investigate opportunities to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities. RAP Committee June 2012 Investigate becoming a member of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minority Supplier Council by 30 June Head of Human Resources December 2012 Partner with CareerTrackers to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Internship Program at Gadens, providing two indigenous undergraduate university students the opportunity for professional development through 12 weeks paid employment. Establish baseline data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategy, including objectives in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. Directly engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. RAP Committee / Pro bono Coordinator March 2013 Investigate opportunities to further support the Watarrka school at Kings Canyon, NT. Send two lawyers to do pro bono work as part of the Arts Law Centre s Wills Project. 8

9 Reporting At Gadens, we are excited to be embarking on our RAP journey and are committed to the actions set out in this document. We therefore commit to reporting on our progress as we recognise the value in learning from our experience. We hope that the lessons we learn will also benefit other organisations. Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Provide a RAP progress report RAP Committee July 2013 Review and update actions and targets. Provide an annual RAP report by July 2013, for publication on the Reconciliation Australia website. Provide updates on progress for use in the firm s sustainability report. RAP Committee March 2013 Progress report delivered to the firm s Sustainability Committee. Provide updates on progress for the firm s Annual Report to the partnership. RAP Committee September 2012 Progress report included in Annual Report. 9

10 Gadens Lawyers Sydney Pty Limited ACN Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000 Copyright 2012 Gadens Lawyers Cover art: Maureen Hudson, Fire Dreaming This publication may contain the images and names of deceased peoples. 10