Every year, National Reconciliation Week is observed between 27 May and 3 June. These dates commemorate the overwhelmingly successful 1967 referendum, where 90.77% of Australians voted to change the constitution. This meant that Aboriginal people would be counted as part of the population and acknowledged as equal citizens, and that the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that had potential to assist in addressing inequalities.

Also recognised is the 1992 High Court Mabo decision, which overturned the concept of terra nullius (meaning nobody's land in Latin) – that the land was unoccupied when the British arrived – and paved the way for Indigenous land rights.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week marks an important anniversary. It is 25 years since approximately 250,000 people crossed Sydney Harbour Bridge in a Walk for Reconciliation. In addition, more than 30 years have passed since Australia’s first formal process of reconciliation in 1991, and almost 25 years since the 2001 inception of Reconciliation Australia, the peak national body for promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

It has also been close to two years since the defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum.

“That was so disappointing,” says Doug Ferguson FCA, a board member and chair of the finance, audit and risk committee at Reconciliation Australia. “It caused a great deal of trauma, not only to First Nations people but also to their allies and everyone invested in its success.”

Fortunately, there has been great progress as well as disappointment, says Ferguson.

“We’re all focused on the future, and Reconciliation Australia is continuing to work with enormous purpose and positive energy,” he says. “It is also encouraging that no-one is backing away from the cause. In fact, last year, the number of National Reconciliation Week events increased by 40% to 9200, and the number of organisations with reconciliation action plans [RAPs] is also growing. At last count there were over 3000, spanning corporate businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and community groups.”

The value of RAPs

RAPs were introduced in 2006 to help organisations take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Relationships, respect and opportunities are their core pillars, and there are four types of RAP to suit organisations of all sizes at different stages of their reconciliation journey.

1. Reflect: building strong foundations

2. Innovate: implementing change

3. Stretch: reconciliation leadership

4. Elevate: transformational change.

CA ANZ published its Reflect RAP in 2022 and has worked through delivering the initiatives outlined in the plan. Last year, it began the process of building its Innovate RAP. Guided by cultural advisers Modern Custodian (formerly Acknowledge This), CA ANZ sought input from its executive team, employees and members, including office holders and Indigenous members. It is now collaboratively shaping a plan that balances ambition with accountability and reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

“RAPs increase understanding and awareness of our history, and help to strengthen our shared future,” says Ferguson. “They also bring tangible benefits such as Indigenous employment, leadership development, economic empowerment and Indigenous self-determination.”

Findings from Reconciliation Australia’s 2024 RAP Impact Report include:

• 5.6 million people worked for or studied in an organisation with a RAP
• A$4.8 billion worth of goods and services were procured by RAP organisations from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses
• 25,237 contracts were entered into between RAP organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses – an increase of 42%
• 75,054 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were employed by an organisation with a RAP
• 733 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people sat on RAP organisation boards – an increase of more than 20%
• 740 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in RAP organisations were in executive leadership roles – again, an increase of more than 20%

A time for connection

Research suggests that many Australians, particularly those in urban areas, have little or no direct interaction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With its theme of Bridging Now to Next, this year’s National Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for learning and connection.

In 2021, CA ANZ formed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Member Panel to elevate the visibility of Indigenous Australian CAs and highlight the value of accounting as a rewarding profession and career path. Panel members advise the organisation on key strategic and operational issues and play a representative role in connecting with prospective members, students and the wider community.

In the lead-up to this year’s National Reconciliation Week, several panel members reflected on the actions people can take to advance reconciliation in Australia.

Jagera woman Deanne Firth FCA, for example, encourages non-Indigenous Australians to “get outside” to connect with First Nations histories and cultures. “Visit local Indigenous sites, listen to the stories of Country and reflect on how we can walk together from now to what’s next,” she says.

Similarly, Amie Prentice FCA, descendent of the Karajarri people, suggests people seek and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and histories from the places they live and work, but not as a tick-box-exercise. “It needs to come from a place of genuine curiosity as a foundation for respectful collaboration and understanding,” she says.

Workplace opportunities

There are also opportunities to participate in reconciliation initiatives at work.

“That could simply mean watching a film, listening to Indigenous music, hanging Aboriginal art or organising an event to listen to an Indigenous guest speaker,” says Ferguson.

This can lead to deeper reflection on how our actions can contribute to the future of our country.

“That includes understanding the true facts of our national history and having the courage to speak out when we hear or see racism of any kind,” says Ferguson.

Kamilaroi man Ben Eisikovich CA, who also sits on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Member Panel, urges non-Indigenous Australians to learn one new thing about our shared history. “A single new insight can deepen understanding, challenge assumptions and create meaningful discussion that move us closer to reconciliation,” he says.

For fellow panel member Jolene Elliott CA, a descendant of the Yugunga-Nya people, an important step for non-Indigenous Australians is to reflect on the fact that Australia doesn’t just have a black history, but a shared history. “Reconciliation grows through truth, respect and meaningful action,” she says. “We all have a part to play.”

More information

Visit Reconciliation Australia for more information about National Reconciliation Week, RAPs and the organisation’s work. 

Visit our CA ANZ website to learn more about how we support reconciliation.