Medibank implements fifth Reconciliation Action Plan
Medibank RAP Murun Waluwin (Live Healthy) by Christopher Delamont
Medibank has launched its fifth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reaffirming its commitment to addressing the gap in health and wellbeing outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Medibank CEO David Koczkar said the health company is on an ongoing journey of learning since launching its first RAP 10 years ago.
“We’ve been listening to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, partners, customers and health professionals to understand how we can more effectively play our role in addressing the health equity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities,” he said.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, such as heart disease and mental illness^, and have a life expectancy that is 8 to 9 years shorter than other Australians.^^
“These are confronting, and unacceptable facts and we all need to do better. As individuals and as an organisation, we all have a responsibility to close this gap and improve the health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” Mr Koczkar said.
Since 2012, Medibank has completed four RAPs and more than 56 actions. Launched today, Medibank’s fifth RAP – and third Stretch RAP – builds on its previous commitments with a further 16 new and ambitious actions that senior leaders and teams have committed to owning over the next three years.
Mr Koczkar said increasing cultural responsiveness and awareness within the organisation was critically important in creating a more culturally safe workplace for employees and improving the service offering for customers – two key commitments in Medibank’s fifth RAP.
We all have a personal role to play in reconciliation. We are empowering our employees to champion reconciliation to help create more meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, customers and communities.
Key commitments in Medibank’s Stretch RAP (March 2022 – December 2024) include:
Increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee representation at Medibank to 2% by December 2024
With a focus on senior roles and clinical roles
Increasing cultural awareness and responsiveness
All employees will be required to complete annual training
100% of senior leaders will complete face-to-face training
More ambitious procurement target with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
Targeting spend of $1 million per year by the third year of this RAP
Mr Koczkar said Medibank’s reconciliation aspirations were closely aligned to the company’s 2030 vision of achieving the best health and wellbeing for Australia.
“Our RAP is an extension of our organisational purpose and values. We have come far over the past 10 years, but we have much further to go if we are to deliver on our promise. But we are walking this path with many community partners and learning from them each step along the way.”
Artist: Christopher Delamont
Country: Wiradjuri/Nari Nari
Artwork Title: Murun Waluwin (Live Healthy)
Original Dimensions: 90x90cm
Year Created: 2022
Arts Management and Image Licensing Rights managed by Dreamtime Art Creative Consultancy
