G&C Mutual Bank stands for community, equality and inclusion and to be there when our ‘members need us most’. It is within this spirit that G&C Mutual Bank will commence a process to work with First Nations people to help improve their financial and social inclusion and prosperity, with a focus on access to affordable banking services.
G&C Mutual Bank strongly supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart and will work to uphold its message of reconciliation as we move towards the referendum on The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. The Uluru Statement follows the largest consensus of First Nations peoples on a proposal for substantive reform in Australian history.
The Uluru Statement calls for two key reforms. First, the establishment of a First Nations’ Voice enshrined in the Constitution. That is, a representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that is empowered to advise Parliament in the creation of laws, policies and projects affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Second, a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling about Australian history. Makarrata is the ancient Yolngu word for the idea of two parties coming together after a struggle to heal historical divisions, acknowledge wrongdoing and seek to make things right. In relation to truth-telling, Makarrata involves acknowledging the historical and ongoing disempowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including in their interactions with the legal system. This truth-telling is intended to assist in educating all Australians of the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders since the time of European colonisation and ideally to lead the nation towards genuine reconciliation.
As an organisation founded on fairness and social purpose and justice, we believe our key responsibility is to encourage and support our people in making an informed decision. Our commitment is to provide opportunities for our people to deepen their understanding of the relevant issues and the context, perspectives and culture of Australia’s First Nations People.
There are, and will be, different views on the proposed changes to the Australian Constitution and we will be respectful, thoughtful and supportive of whatever choice is made.
We would like to thank the First Nations People for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and will use our networks to raise awareness among our employees, customers and the communities in which we operate. We will continue to affirm the spirit and intent of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, no matter what the outcome of the referendum.
