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Allens staff sign up for reconciliation

20 August 2009

Allens Arthur Robinson (Allens) has become the first major Australian law firm to implement a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Working closely with Reconciliation Australia, Allens' RAP initiatives are aimed at building relationships and respect and creating opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

'We recognise the importance of Reconciliation to our firm and our society', said Allens Chief Executive Partner Michael Rose. 'It is vital if the gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous people, including the unacceptable gap in life expectancy, is to be closed'

'Though our Reconciliation Action Plan, we have committed ourselves to action: action as lawyers who can work to support Indigenous rights and Indigenous enterprises; action as employers who can play a role in the development of talented people; and action as members of the legal and commercial communities who can build relationships and foster understanding,' Mr Rose said. 'This is how we will play a part in closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.'

Allens joins more than 150 organisations that have a RAP, with several hundred more in development.

'The fast growing RAP community is based on civic-led action from leaders in corporate organisations, schools, sporting codes, banks, retail and mining companies,' said Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Paul O'Callaghan.

'The leadership shown by Allens and others involved in the RAP journey shows us there is quiet but steady change underway.'

Allens' RAP commits the firm to an extension of existing pro-bono and employment activities involving indigenous people and groups, and a series of new actions with targets to be met by August 2010.

Staff from Allens' Australian offices are also being invited to personally show their commitment to the RAP by individually signing the plan in offices around the country.

Allens' RAP was formally launched at a client function in Sydney attended by Aboriginal elders, the Governor of New South Wales and leaders from the legal profession, law schools and pro-bono organisations.

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Notes for editors.

Allens Arthur Robinson has staff in 14 cities and eight countries across the Asia Pacific.