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Press release

Grant Thornton launches Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

Grant Thornton has reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation with the launch of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) earlier this month.

The Innovate RAP marks the second stage in the firm’s reconciliation journey, building on the Reflect RAP developed in 2022. Through the Reflect RAP, Grant Thornton began cultivating a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures – setting the foundations for positive impactful engagement and progress in this second RAP.

Under the guidance and enthusiasm of the Grant Thornton RAP Steering Committee and First Nations Consultant Maria Watson-Trudgett, other stakeholders and our people, the Innovate RAP outlines the firm’s goals – some of which include:

  • Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in our six office locations across Australia
  • Building greater cultural competency throughout our firm at all career levels and ensuring all our people from the top down understand and support reconciliation 
  • Uniting our six office locations on the journey of reconciliation to further influence our people, clients and communities on the importance of reconciliation 
  • Identifying new ways to engage in meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations 

While acknowledging some goals may come with challenges, Grant Thornton continues to build on lessons learned from its reconciliation journey. As part of the Innovate RAP development, the firm commissioned Jedess Hudson – a descendant of the Ewamian and Western Yalanji people of North Queensland – to create a bespoke piece of artwork as a visual representation of the firm's diverse reconciliation journey bringing together unique strengths and perspectives. Titled ‘Unified Way: Weaving the Threads of Reconciliation’, the piece explores the story of connection, collaboration and commitment, and is currently displayed in the Sydney office. 

The Innovate RAP launch event was held in Grant Thornton’s Adelaide office and hosted by CEO, Said Jahani who was joined by Grant Thornton’s Adelaide Office Chair David Mullins, RAP Executive Sponsor Iain Kemp, and the National RAP Steering Committee members. Distinguished guests, Cliffy 'Tangku Munaitya' Wilson – a Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri, Ngadjuri and Arrente Man provided a moving Welcome to his Country, from the lands of his people, the Kaurna people; and the Kuma Kaaru cultural dancers with Jack Buckskin shared their ancient cultural knowledge, spirituality and stories of their ancestors, which have been passed down through the generations, vibrantly connecting the land, spirit, sea and skies.

Said Jahani, Grant Thornton CEO said: “As part of our commitment to reconciliation, we wanted to unite our people in this second stage of the firm’s journey. The powerful artwork created by Jedess Hudson weaves together a story of connection, collaboration and commitment, inspired by the land, seasons, bush tucker, flora and fauna of her homelands, and also incorporates our CARE values that guide our people. 

“The artwork, alongside our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, are reminders of how we take this commitment to reconciliation seriously through educating our people, clients and communities on its importance. We have six offices located around Australia, bringing together people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, and while we’ve taken steps to drive positive change, we acknowledge the immense work still yet to be done.”

Grant Thornton remains committed to supporting tangible and permanent positive change, while contributing to Australia’s reconciliation journey. The firm pledges to develop a deeper appreciation and knowledge of First Nations cultures and peoples, by listening, nurturing partnerships, and taking meaningful steps on this RAP journey.

To read Grant Thornton’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, click here. To find out more about Jedess Hudson and Grant Thornton’s artwork, listen to her podcast episode here.

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