Leading Australian companies vow to take steps to enhance opportunities for the country's Indigenous population. Their pledge takes place against the background of the October 14 referendum, which saw Australians vote against creating a constitutionally protected Indigenous parliamentary advisory body known as the Voice.

The airline Qantas, BHP, Wesfarmers, superannuation, and others are now implementing measures such as using First Nations suppliers, offering employment and scholarships to Indigenous individuals, and engaging with Indigenous partners to address the persistent disadvantages faced by the Indigenous population.

Ross Piper, CEO of superannuation declared: "Our intent and position to support reconciliation through practical actions is unchanged by the outcome of the referendum".

Wesfarmers had already run programmes to educate, recruit and promote Indigenous people and develop Indigenous businesses. CEO Rob Scott said: "While the country resolved not to amend our constitution, there's never been more awareness of the significant challenges facing many Indigenous people."

BHP, Australia's biggest public company, which had already campaigned for Indigenous representation for four years before the referendum, now vows to "continue to engage with traditional owners and Indigenous partners, employees and organisations to understand their priorities", according to Geraldine Slattery, the company's Australia president.

Estelle Parker, executive manager at the Responsible Investment Association Australasia said the referendum defeat was a "setback (but) the business community knows it has a special and significant responsibility here, and investors know this too".

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