The industry super fund has advanced reconciliation efforts with a new initiative focused on improving outcomes for First Nations members.
Rest has unveiled its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), expanding on earlier work to improve equity and retirement outcomes for First Nations People.
According to the fund, the plan represents the next stage in Rest’s reconciliation journey, following the release of its first Reflect RAP in 2023.
It sets out targeted actions aimed at addressing systemic barriers and ensuring the super system delivers fairer outcomes for all members.
Rest chief executive, Vicki Doyle, said the new RAP embeds reconciliation across Rest’s operations and builds on lessons from the fund’s first plan.
“I’m proud to launch our Innovate RAP – an important milestone in Rest’s reconciliation journey and a key part of our commitment to supporting a fairer super system and better retirements for our estimated tens of thousands of First Nations members,” Doyle said.
The fund outlined that a key component of the Innovate RAP will be a new pilot program aimed at improving engagement between Rest and financial counsellors who support First Nations members.
The initiative, which was developed in partnership with the First Nations Foundation (FNF) and the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), looks to explore practical ways to streamline support and guidance for those navigating the super system.
The broader superannuation community will be delivered findings from the pilot in order to help standardise better practices in supporting Indigenous members.
FNF managing director, Leah Bennett, welcomed the fund’s initiative and described it as an important demonstration of industry leadership.
“First Nations Foundation is excited to support Rest’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. This plan is an important step in advancing meaningful change, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities that empower First Nations peoples’ economic, cultural, and social aspirations,” Bennett said.
“Rest’s commitment to embedding reconciliation into its values demonstrates real leadership and a vision for a more inclusive and respectful future for all Australians.”
