Accor Supports the Heart of the Matter

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, has invited 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.

Accor Pacific say they 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, wants to spread the message further. “We invite millions of guests each year into our hotels and resorts to enjoy the best of the Australian culture, landscape and environment" said Mr McGrath.

"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 country's 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."

Mr McGrath said there needed to be a referendum to complete the Constitution. "Each Australian must cast their vote to enact these reforms" said Mr McGrath. "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.”

To read the full ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ click here.

Kakadu Tourism is a collection of Indigenous owned businesses and is managed by Accor Pacific.