The Australian Lawyers Alliance's (ALA) second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was launched at the organisation's annual national conference last Friday.
"The ALA advocates for law reform that protects and promotes justice, freedom and the rights of the individual and particular groups of people in our community," said Ms Genevieve Henderson, National President, ALA. "Our Reconciliation Action Plan continues to play an important role in ensuring that the strategic direction of the ALA includes our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
The ALA's vision for reconciliation is an Australia that knows and acknowledges the history of colonisation and dispossession, supports a First Nations voice in the Constitution and completes the process of Makarrata in order for there to be an inclusive national culture and identity.
"Our RAP embraces and formalises our longstanding commitment to human rights and social justice through practical initiatives and policy advocacy," said Ms Henderson. "The RAP journey we have been on since 2019 has deepened our understanding of the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and highlighted the opportunities for engagement and action.
"Whilst much has been achieved under our first RAP there is still much more to do. We are particularly conscious of the role the legal profession will play over the next two years to support the constitutional change required to allow the realisation of a Voice to Parliament.
"We also know that the value of our policy and advocacy work is enhanced when we develop stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples so that their priorities and perspectives are genuinely reflected in our work, and the ongoing development of these relationships is a key focus for our second RAP."
The ALA's Reconciliation Action Plan can be read here.
