Accor Pacific, the largest operator of hotels and resorts in Australia, and passionate leaders in encouraging cultural tourism and Indigenous employment and engagement within its hotels, invite the industry to join a growing number of organisations coming together in support of the 'Uluru Statement from the Heart'.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for a 'First Nations Voice' in the Australian Constitution and a 'Makarrata Commission' to supervise a process of 'agreement-making' and 'truth-telling' between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The statement references the 1967 referendum which brought about changes to the Constitution of Australia to include Indigenous Australians.      

The Uluru Statement supports calls for a Makarrata, a complex Yolngu word meaning, a 'coming together after a struggle'. In doing so, a commission of Makarrata will facilitate a national conversation about our past, and our countries future together. When we as a nation have reached agreements with our first nation's people, we will then be on the path to becoming a mature nation, reconciled with our history.

Accor Pacific are proud leaders and committed to spreading awareness and understanding of Australia's rich Indigenous heritage and culture through engaging the local community and guests in meaningful conversations and activities.

Chief Operating Officer Accor Pacific, Simon McGrath AM, says “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 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.

“In order to complete the Constitution, we must have a referendum. Each Australian must cast their vote to enact these reforms. To say 'yes' is not merely a vote to support Indigenous people by giving them a say in their own affairs. Nor is it merely a vote to rectify the historical mistake of not recognising them in the Constitution. To say 'yes' is a vote to move forward, together, so that we might 'come together after a struggle',” concluded McGrath.   

To read the full 'Uluru Statement from the Heart' click here.

ENDS

ABOUT ACCOR'S INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Since 2001, Accor has placed over 1,500 Indigenous employees within its hotels across the nation. This has been driven through strong relationships with Government, partner organisations and existing employees whom are the best demonstration of success for our program. Our Indigenous programs continue to develop hospitality talent and as such approximately 5%* (over 580 team members) of our total workforce identify as either Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Through our Indigenous Employment Program, Accor Australia's goal is to create employment outcomes that are sustainable, empowering and fulfilling which enables pride and inspiration within the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community. We do this by forming relationships with organisations and people in the community who in turn provide high quality talent to our business.

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in more than 4,900 hotels, resorts, and residences across 110 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of brands from luxury to economy, Accor has been providing hospitality savoir-faire for more than 50 years.

Beyond accommodations, Accor enables new ways to live, work, and play with Food & Beverage, nightlife, wellbeing, and coworking brands. To drive business performance, Accor's portfolio of business accelerators amplify hospitality distribution, operations, and experience. Guests have access to one of the world's most attractive hotel loyalty programs—Le Club AccorHotels.

Accor is deeply committed to sustainable value creation, and plays an active role in giving back to planet and community. Planet 21 – Acting Here endeavours to act for positive hospitality, while Accor Solidarity, the endowment fund, empowers disadvantaged groups through professional training and access to employment.

Accor SA is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit accor.com. Or become a fan and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

*Excludes Mantra Group & Franchise network employees

Contacts media relations
 
Lauren Zoneff
Communications Manager
M. 0401 318 385
lauren.zoneff@accor.com
 
 
Other contacts
 
Marc Bennie
General Manager Indigenous Programs & Community Investment
M. 0435 484 352
marc.bennie@accor.com