Australian Retirement Trust launches RAP, reinforcing its commitment to reconciliation

Media release - 31 May 2023

Australian Retirement Trust (ART), one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, has taken another step in its commitment to reconciliation with the launch of a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The launch of the Reflect RAP comes just over one year since ART was formed and continues the legacy and passion for reconciliation of heritage funds Sunsuper and QSuper.

ART’s Reflect RAP, developed with the support of First Nations Advisory, delivers a commitment to Australia’s reconciliation journey and identifies actions ART can take that will make a measurable difference for Indigenous Australians.

Over the next 12 months, ART will spend time developing, and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples so that it can build the foundations for reconciliation as an organisation.

ART Chief Executive Officer, Bernard Reilly, said the Fund’s Reflect RAP is a first commitment to help remove barriers in the superannuation sector and within ART, so that more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can grow and protect their superannuation.

“As one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, we have a responsibility to purposefully contribute to reconciliation in Australia, and we believe we can do this by addressing the challenges faced by First Nations people in preparing for retirement, and in the pursuit of socio-economic equity.

“We’re very proud of the legacy and shared commitment that we have brought together in our Reflect RAP. As a fund that is only a year old, we now have a great opportunity to ensure that reconciliation is embedded in our culture from the very start.

“We’re privileged to feature the artwork of Leah Cummins from Bunya Designs in our RAP and also on a mural in our Brisbane office. Leah’s work titled ‘Mirndin-Gun-Yas’ (Our Pathway) has really brought ART’s history and connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to life", said Mr Reilly.

“I extend particular thanks to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members and the working group who helped shape our Reflect RAP and will continue to guide us as we develop the foundations for reconciliation inside our organisation so that we’re ready to make a real impact in the communities we serve".