Canberra
The Australian Government has today announced funding of $14.4 million over four years for Reconciliation Australia's work to promote reconciliation and build stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Reconciliation Australia helps businesses and organisations develop Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) which include practical steps to build understanding and create opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
So far more than 350 organisations have developed a Reconciliation Action Plan. Approximately 1.7 million Australians work or study in an organisation with a RAP.
The plans have helped to secure almost 20,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians, more than $15 million for educational scholarships for Indigenous students and about $58 million in transactions with Indigenous businesses.
Recent research conducted by Auspoll for Reconciliation Australia indicates that trust is significantly higher between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in RAP organisations, when compared to the wider community, and that prejudice is much lower.
In July 2012, the Australian Government also provided $10 million to Reconciliation Australia over two years to promote public awareness and community support for Indigenous constitutional recognition.
This Government is committed to recognising Indigenous people in Australia's Constitution and we want meaningful reform that reflects the hopes and aspirations of Indigenous people.
Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians will be a significant step towards reconciliation and building a nation based on strong relations and mutual respect, which recognises the unique and special place of our first peoples.
We encourage all Australians to become involved in the reconciliation process. Visit www.reconciliation.org.aufor more information.