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Medibank acknowledges traditional owners in all sites as part of RAP by Victoria Hanlon 2 December 2013
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edibank acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first Australians and, as part of this commitment, the organisation is displaying “acknowledgement of traditional owners” statements in all customer sites across the country. The installation of the statement put into place commitments made in Medibank’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the blueprint of Medibank’s reconciliation journey. This gesture of respect is an important step and helps Medibank convey this message to staff, customers and the public. Rita Marigliani, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Medibank, explains, “Medibank stands ‘For Better Health’ and it is our belief that every person has the right to good health. This is why we are committed to working towards a society where there is equity in health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “ Medibank believes this can be achieved through active participation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and through a whole-of-community effort. The first RAP was launched in 2012 and its good work is being
Indigenous leader and advisor, Mark Yettica-Paulson and Medibank Executive General Manager – PHI, Laz Cotsios. Image supplied
progressed and improved in the 2013 RAP. Importantly, Medibank was the first private health insurer to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan. Rita concludes, “Medibank is helping to lead the way as we remain one of only a handful of organisations that display an
‘acknowledgement of traditional owners’ statement in the workplace. “These signs are an important step in demonstrating our commitment, as we continue to work towards the recognition and reconciliation of our first people, and to ensure the better health of all Australians.”
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