BANGKOK—Accor Asia Pacific, the largest hotel group in Australia, announced its ongoing commitment to improving Indigenous employment and relations at the official launch of the Accor Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in partnership with Reconciliation Australia—the largest and most comprehensive RAP in the Australian hospitality industry.
“With over 150 hotels in Australia, the greatest geographical spread of city and regional locations, and the relationships we have built with Indigenous employment partners, Accor is well equipped to achieve our goal of seeing 100 Indigenous employees trained and employed in Accor hotels across Australia each year,” said Simon McGrath, vice president Accor Australia.
Accor has led the way in efforts to build sustainable relationships with Indigenous Australians through its ‘Indigenous Employment Program.’ Established in 2001, the program has seen more than 600 Indigenous Australians employed throughout Accor’s Australian hotel network. It has also achieved many industry accolades including the Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment award for four consecutive years (from 2003 to 2006).
Next Phase of Campaign Begins
Accor is now embarking on the next phase of its campaign by partnering with Reconciliation Australia—the non-government, not-for-profit foundation charged with continuing the national focus for reconciliation. Partnering with Reconciliation Australia and implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan is a formal commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians not only through employment but also through training; partnering with Indigenous businesses; community involvement to increase knowledge about the Indigenous culture; and providing opportunities through education and scholarships.
Senator Arbib thanked Accor for its leadership and vision and praised the emphasis given in the RAP to employment and traineeship opportunities and support for growing Indigenous businesses and development of further Indigenous partnerships.
Leah Armstrong, CEO Reconciliation Australia, in attendance at the launch said, “We know from the 2010 Race Relations Barometer survey that 87 percent of Australians agree that the relationship with the Indigenous people of this country is important—and it is industry leaders like Accor that put this belief into practice by establishing ongoing employment and training and building cultural awareness throughout its industry and overall community.”
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