ART to employ more First Nations members into its workforce

Australian Retirement Trust (ART) has launched its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), highlighting initiatives the super fund will complete by the end of 2028, including setting up a First Nations workforce target.

The Innovate RAP builds on the first one delivered in 2024 and is underpinned by partnerships with First Nations-led organisations, including First Nations Foundation.

"From our Reflect RAP, we learned more about First Nations cultures, built awareness across our organisation and established relationships with our industry partners," ART said.

In the next two years, the $370 billion super fund is aiming to deliver financial education designed for First Nations members, strengthen culturally informed member support and amplify First Nations voices through responsible investment stewardship,

It is also building a "culturally safe" and inclusive workplace, as it works towards a 2% First Nations workforce target.

The super fund noted that many of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members continue to face systemic barriers navigating the superannuation system, including the proof of identity, skills and knowledge in finance, usage of services, early access to super, and more.

ART chief investment officer Ian Patrick, who is also the sponsor of the plan, commented those are the gaps the super fund is trying to fill.

"It's about making sure we make a difference in their lives, in the communities that we serve and in making the system better overall for our members," Patrick said.

"Across our services and partnerships and the way we work, we're focused on improving financial outcomes for everyone and building long-term trust in the system. Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is an important way that we can deploy our efforts to help deliver for our members."