The groundswell movement towards a Referendum to recognise the voice of Australia’s First Nations people in the Australian Constitution has gained the backing of Accor Pacific, which has invited the rest of the accommodation industry to join ranks.
The hotel company has aligned itself with the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ – a petition calling for Indigenous recognition in Australia’s supreme law – and for the formation of a ‘Makarrata Commission’ which would formalise an open dialogue between Australia’s governments and the people of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture about the country’s past.
Australia’s 1967 Referendum – which passed with overwhelming support under the Holt government of the time and sought to determine Aboriginal Australians as part of the national population – is referenced in the statement.
As an industry leader in Indigenous employment and training, Accor Pacific COO, Simon McGrath, said once Australia had reached agreement with its First Nations people, then it can continue on a path to be considered a mature nation.
“We invite millions of guests each year into our hotels and resorts to enjoy the best of the Australian culture, landscape and environment. It is then essential that the best of Australia represents our full history and our respect and pride in all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Our countries [sic] rich history is welcomed by our guests and we are proud to share the story. Accor Pacific stand proudly aligned to our shared history and invite the industry to join us on the journey in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”
CLICK HERE to read the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.