Laying the groundwork for Indigenous health equality

At Medibank, we believe in health equality and are committed to help reduce the gap that exists between Indigenous and other Australians.

One of the ways we’re working to do this is by purchasing from Indigenous businesses – such as Orana Commercial Relocations who emptied many of our building floors of furniture in preparation for new carpet to be laid.

It’s a misconception that using Indigenous businesses means compromising on price or quality. Orana wasn’t one of the first companies we thought of for the project, but when we went looking they stood out and their tender bid was extremely competitive. Their work has been exemplary - the team has been enthusiastic, friendly, and keen to ensure they exceed our expectations.

Jason Baird, Joint owner of Orana and Managing Director of Blue Lion, says the project “allowed Orana to create sustainable Indigenous employment opportunities directly related to the project and further assisted in the development and advancement of our existing deadly team members.”

Our current Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) lays out the measurable public targets we’ve set ourselves in regard to Indigenous business purchasing and employment. We set ourselves a goal in 2017 to increase our spend with Indigenous businesses by 25% over the next three years, based on our 2017 target. By working with companies like Orana we’re pleased we’ve exceeded this long-term goal, spending $400,000 with Indigenous businesses by the end of FY20. Find out more in our Sustainability Report.

We’ve learned from listening to and partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations that the best way we can contribute is by supporting employment and business development - both of which directly impact the economic and social factors that influence health.

Our purpose of Better Health for Better Lives underlies our ongoing support of reconciliation. We know there is a long way to go and lots more to do, but we’re in it for the long haul.