MetLife launches Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
Sydney August 24, 2023
The 2023 Reflect RAP builds on MetLife’s first RAP, started in 2020, which outlines its vision for reconciliation and sets forth further steps to enhance its strategies in the five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity; unity; and historical acceptance.
Richard Nunn, MetLife CEO, said:
“MetLife is committed to embedding reconciliation within the organisation, ensuring that all staff recognise, respect, and value First Nations peoples' cultures, histories, and needs, celebrating their contributions and achievements.
“Our purpose, 'always with you building a more confident future,' guides us in our journey towards reconciliation. We recognise the challenges faced by First Nations people and acknowledge our responsibility to build understanding, and protection for Australia's First Nations people.”
The 2023 Reflect RAP also addresses the challenges faced by First Nations peoples in accessing financial services, including insurance. According to the 2021-22 Pre-Budget Submission to the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, 75% of First Nations Australians struggle to access financial services, making it a pressing issue that MetLife aims to tackle.
To address these challenges, since the launch of the initial RAP MetLife has been working with key partners, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens' First Nations team, to identify the needs and priorities of this underrepresented group and discover best practices to serve them better. The company has developed strategies to support vulnerable customers, including cultural training for customer service employees, to create a more inclusive environment for First Nations customers.
Commenting on the challenges, Mr Nunn said:
“Our Reflect RAP 2023-24 will focus on continuous learning, active participation in cultural events, supporting customers, and leveraging partnerships. We aim to build understanding and do more to support our First Nations customers, and this Reflect RAP is a step towards a future Innovate RAP."
Reconciliation Australia, the leading national reconciliation body, congratulated MetLife on its commitment to reconciliation and endorsing its second Reflect RAP. The organisation recognizes the importance of racial equity in creating a just and fair society and celebrates MetLife's efforts in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and society.
Karen Mundine, CEO, Reconciliation Australia commented:
“Congratulations MetLife on your second Reflect RAP. This Reflect RAP enables MetLife to deepen its understanding of its sphere of influence and the unique contribution it can make to lead progress across the five dimensions. Getting these steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.”
To read the 2023 MetLife Reconciliation Action Plan click here
Contact:
Sarah Kelly, 0411 893 890, sarah.kelly@metlife.com
About MetLife
MetLife Insurance Limited (MetLife), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is a specialist provider of life insurance to affinity partners, superannuation trustees and employers in Australia. MetLife has expertise in designing and executing direct insurance programs for partners’ customers and insurance solutions to meet the needs of specific member groups. MetLife has been a specialist provider of life risk insurance products in Australia since 2005. For more information, visit metlife.com.au.
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit metlife.com.