CEO messages

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Message from Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia

On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I congratulate IAG on its formal commitment to reconciliation, as it implements its second Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), its fourth RAP overall.

Formed around the pillars of relationships, respect, and opportunities, the RAP program helps organisations realise the critical role they can play in driving reconciliation across their work and area of expertise. Organisations in our leadership cohort are encouraged to critically reflect on the RAP type that is most appropriate for their organisational context and IAG have demonstrated maturity and transparency in its engagement with Reconciliation Australia in developing this latest RAP. With this Stretch RAP, IAG continues to be an exemplary and aspirational leader in this ever-growing network. 

The successes IAG has had on its reconciliation journey so far, creating innovative and thoughtful projects, is aimed at making a difference. One stand-out initiative was its award-winning billboard campaign on major highways around New South Wales and Queensland, informing motorists what Country they had arrived on. Straightforward in its approach, this project saw IAG reminding Australians that wherever they are across this nation, they stand on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander lands – a crucial part of building pride in First Nations cultures and sovereignty. Other initiatives, such as its CGU Kayku Kumpa Indigenous Business Grants and its Learner Driver Mentor Program, are indicative of IAG leveraging its work to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agency and decision-making. These successes speak to the strong foundations that IAG has built through its reconciliation activities so far and a sign of the good work to come.

This Stretch RAP sees IAG continue developing its relationships and capabilities for further impact. It plans on taking brave and considered action, alongside its partners Just Reinvest NSW, to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people on bail. By assisting in the expansion of the Bail Reform Project, IAG has the potential to create real, transformational change for First Nations youth in Mt Druitt, as well as for their community. IAG is also looking in this Stretch RAP to support initiatives that prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge in disaster resilience, recognising the crucial role of First Nations land management practices in combatting climate change. These initiatives, among many others, show IAG continuing to invest in long-term and constructive partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, to effect substantive change for reconciliation. 

On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I commend IAG on this Stretch RAP and look forward to following its ongoing reconciliation journey.

Karen Mundine
Chief Executive Officer
Reconciliation Australia 

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Message from Nick Hawkins, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IAG

Our purpose at IAG is to make your world a safer place. We are proud to deliver on our purpose beyond our core business of insurance to help build a more equitable, fair Australia in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

It has been nine years since we launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and since then, we have worked hard to meet our commitment to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, establish career pathways and employment, and focus on reducing incarceration and reoffending rates among First Nations peoples. 

I am proud of the leadership IAG has taken to build positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. But there is always more we can do through our RAP to advance reconciliation in our country.

In this RAP we continue our support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart because we believe it’s important to acknowledge the historical truths of our country and give First Nation’s people a voice on the decisions and actions that impact their communities. We also commit to further improving our representation of First Nations peoples in our employee and governance structures, and to innovate and drive Indigenous procurement and social enterprise.

IAG has identified two leadership opportunities in this RAP that align to our purpose, business and strategy:

• enabling Indigenous peoples, businesses and communities to take action to address climate change and disaster resilience; and
• continuing our focus on reducing Indigenous incarceration and re-offending rates.

We are proud to continue our work with Indigenous organisations, businesses, and communities to progress IAG’s reconciliation journey and deliver on our purpose.

Nick Hawkins
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
IAG