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CommBank to support Aboriginal reconciliation

6 December 2007 - The Commonwealth Bank has announced it will support a formal commitment to Australia's reconciliation with Indigenous, saying the bank will now focus on a reconciliation strategy, including employment.

According to Commbank CEO Ralph Norris, the Group will commit to helping improve the lives and livelihood of Indigenous people and communities.

"We believe that a sustained effort and enduring commitment by Governments, business and the community can help to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians."

As part of the commitment to reconciliation, the Bank will convene a group to oversee the development of the Group's Indigenous reconciliation strategy.

"Our strategy will include developing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous stakeholders; the employment, development and recognition of Indigenous people across the Group; and strengthening the Bank's customer service focus for Indigenous customers," Mr Norris said.

Barbara Livesey the Chief Executive of Reconciliation Australia welcomed the plan, saying it provided further opportunities for other businesses to participate in a declaration.

"The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program encourages organisations in all sectors to sign up to specific, measurable targets towards closing the unacceptable 17 year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children".

"The Commonwealth Bank's involvement gives all Australians a sense of how much we can do when we work together to make our communities stronger".

The bank currently also supports several Indigenous organisations including sponsorship of scholarships and employment service networks.

Source: Scopical/au

Further information: reconciliation issues page - includes news index and external links

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