social

Statement of Commitment

mecu's Vision for Reconciliation

mecu aims to become the pre-eminent socially responsible banking brand in Australia. Furthermore, mecu has made a commitment through a Sustainability Covenant with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to pursue employee diversity. The Sustainability Covenant outlines actions, focusing on environmental and social initiatives that mecu is committed to implement across the Credit Union.

As part of this endeavour, it is appropriate for mecu to participate in the Australian Indigenous reconciliation process. Indigenous inequality is a serious issue in Australian society. As a national organisation, mecu cannot have an appropriately diverse and representative workforce without the inclusion of Indigenous Australians.

mecu proposes to contribute to the Indigenous reconciliation process by developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to identify and address those Indigenous issues with which mecu can assist. Through a partnership approach, mecu endeavours to make a contribution towards increasing awareness about reconciliation and building capacity within Indigenous Australian communities. Such action should ultimately contribute to the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.

mecu's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

mecu's RAP will be developed in collaboration with Reconciliation Australia to provide a framework for advancing mecu's objectives and will be a public contribution towards the national effort to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The RAP will identify clear actions and realistic targets to guide mecu in contributing to ‘closing the gap.'.

mecu's RAP will be developed by 30th June 2010 and will follow the guiding principles outlined by Reconciliation Australia. These guiding principles are:

• Relationships - building good relationships with Indigenous people 
• Respect - building respect for Indigenous contribution to Australia
• Opportunities - working to ensure equal opportunity for Indigenous people

mecu is seeking representatives from Indigenous communities to participate in the RAP development process. Potential areas for input and development include:

• How to identify and engage with Indigenous groups within mecu communities
• Identifying opportunities for Indigenous work placements/training within mecu
• Identifying opportunities to improve Indigenous financial literacy; and
• Identifying opportunities to increase cultural awareness, knowledge and respect of Indigenous culture amongst staff and members.

To help us understand our stakeholders in reconciliation, please let us know if you are a staff member or member of mecu with an Indigenous background, or if you have a particular interest in the reconciliation process. For further information contact Nikki Jordan, Email: nikki.jordan@mecu.com.au Phone: 03 9854 4658.