Non-bank lender commits to reconciliation and greater Liberty for all

In a formal commitment to advance reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Liberty has published its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Chief Executive Officer, James Boyle, said Liberty was committed to building awareness and strengthening respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, traditions and cultures across its team and the broader community.

“As advocates for inclusion and equality, we will apply our curiosity and free-thinking approach to champion and advocate for change. We will engage our team and work with Reconciliation Australia to make a positive difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Our nation’s history is marked by devastating land dispossession and violence. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to experience limited equity, access and opportunity. Improving future outcomes requires co-ordinating focused effort and is vital in creating a truly inclusive and reconciled society,” Mr Boyle said.

Liberty’s reconciliation journey began several years ago when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to build community awareness and understanding for the Liberty team. According to Mr Boyle, the RAP will help guide Liberty’s future cultural initiatives and commercial partnerships.

“Through events, policies and training opportunities, we have taken measurable strides towards embedding the principles of reconciliation into our workplace culture. While we recognise that there is still much work to do – we’re committed to continuing our trajectory.

“Working closely with representative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, we are excited about forming meaningful relationships that help to deliver lasting outcomes. We have taken some initial steps by forming a RAP working group to drive these important initiatives and promoting awareness internally with team member launch packs comprised of items sourced from First Nations suppliers,” Mr Boyle said.

One of the relationships Liberty is proud to have developed is with Barkindji artist Kent Morris. Mr Morris created a piece of art representing the importance of integrating First Nations philosophies and knowledges into everyday life and the shared connection and responsibility we all have to care for Country.

Mr Morris explains the artwork, titled Cultural Reflections – Infinite Interconnections, is constructed from a photograph of a fairy wren on Kulin Nations land (Yaluk-ut Weelam Country), where he lives and works. Liberty’s head office is also based on the lands of the Kulin Nation in neighbouring Wurundjeri Country. The artist describes the work as “an immersive kaleidoscopic pattern that speaks of infinity, interconnection, respect and reconciliation through a First Nations lens.”

“Through our work with Kent Morris, we’ve had the opportunity to further explore our connection to First Nations’ peoples and reflect on how our shared values guide us towards a more reconciled Australia,” Mr Boyle said.