DLA Phillips Fox has committed to work with Reconciliation Australia and to join other businesses, including clients and others in the legal fraternity, in developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
DLA Phillips Fox believes being a socially responsible firm means helping to address the unacceptable 17 year life expectancy gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Reconciliation Australia’s key strategy to achieve this ambition is to support and encourage organisations like DLA Phillips Fox to develop and commit to their own unique RAP.
A RAP provides a framework that enables organisations to build positive relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people, identify clear actions and set realistic, measurable targets in the areas of relationships, respect and opportunities. It is a plan that puts into writing the firm’s commitment and contribution towards the national effort to close the life expectancy gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Examples of businesses on the path to developing or implementing RAPs include Westpac, KPMG, Wesfarmers, Transfield Services and Sinclair Knight Merz. Various commonwealth departments including the Attorney General’s office, Customs, Department of Human Services, Centrelink, Child Support Agency, Australian Taxation Office and Department of Defence have RAPs, to name a few.
DLA Phillips Fox’s RAP, once finalised, will be reviewed annually by Reconciliation Australia and the firm to assess the effectiveness of the proposals and implementation, and modified accordingly.
RAP steering group members of the firm include Andrew Forbes, Partner; Andrew Fairley, Consultant; Nicolas Patrick, Partner – Pro Bono; Louise Nixon, Special Counsel; and Michelle Milnes, Community Investment Manager.
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