Bupa says it has implemented a dedicated 'First Nations Employment Strategy' to help to improve the representation and cultural safety of First Nation Australians.
The company said the strategy, which was developed in 2021, includes the creation of The First Nations Employee Network, the implementation of cultural leave, cultural awareness training and Career Trackers Internships that links Indigenous university students with employers in paid, multi-year internships.
Roger Sharp, Bupa's chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer, said these steps represent small but significant steps along a long journey towards equality in First Nations employment opportunities.
“Despite these efforts and significant government focus, the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in education, employment, and health equity is not closing.
“Addressing these issues are complex and challenging without the dedicated support from people with lived experience, that’s why we have also engaged with Indigenous consulting experts 15 Times Better to help address the many opportunities ahead of us,” he said.
Bupa has also announced the appointment of two internal Indigenous employees into critical roles in leading this strategy. Stacey Beckers and Olivia Bonanno with be joining the company's diversity and inclusion team as senior First Nations advisor and First Nations advisor.
We are thrilled to have Stacey and Olivia’s passion, expertise and talent helping to drive this important agenda forward," said Mr Sharp.
“It’s a privilege to be able to represent First Nations people and shape the way Bupa addresses employment and healthcare initiatives," said Ms Beckers.
“Reconciliation and equality are issues that are close to my heart and I am proud to be part of an organisation that is committed to making change and moving forward with purpose,” she said.