OREANDA-NEWS. November 26, 2015.  National Australia Bank (NAB) launched its seventh Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) today, calling upon Australian business to take a long-term partnership approach when developing programs to empower Indigenous Australians and Indigenous business for success.

NAB CEO, Andrew Thorburn said “We are proud to support and celebrate Indigenous achievement. This RAP clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when we partner with Indigenous organisations and communities and take a long-term approach.”

“Through this new, three-year RAP, NAB aims to promote inclusion, create opportunities to foster social and economic prosperity for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous businesses – and build cultural understanding within the Bank and the communities within which we operate” Mr Thorburn said.

The 2015-2017 NAB RAP marks a shift in focus to empowering Indigenous Australians, through information, knowledge and access to valuable networks to be financially strong, progress careers, build capability and pursue their aspirations.

Justin Mohamed, CEO of Reconciliation Australia praised NAB’s long-term approach and its focus on accountability and transparency. “Everyone at NAB should be very proud of the way the organisation has taken a leadership approach to building trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners and stakeholders, as well as the increased transparency and accountability NAB has taken with RAP reporting. Raising the bar in this way sets a fine example for others” Mr Mohamed said.

It is NAB’s ambition to create shared value through its RAP and in doing so become the bank of choice for Indigenous Australia. NAB remains committed to supporting Indigenous business and backing Indigenous business success.

In its 2015 to 2017 RAP, NAB continues to build on its seven years of results by adopting three-year targets to maximise the impact of its programs to support and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, customers and employees. NAB’s 2015-2017 Reconciliation Action Plan can be accessed at nab.com.au/indigenous.