Johnson & Johnson takes brave stance in building a movement for an Australia free of racism

MedTech News: Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies today recommitted itself to the principles of its Reconciliation Action Plan with the launch of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2021-2023.

The announcement comes on the heels of National Reconciliation Week and marks the third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies in Australia since its first one was unveiled in 2015.

The RAP 2021-2023 provides a strategic framework and actionable plan that will build on the success of its reconciliation journey to date, which includes $1.75M in health equity program funding in Aboriginal maternal and infant health, mental health, eye health and community development programs, consumer health product donations to support community partners working with Aboriginal communities, and 10 scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surgical trainees, all of which will contribute to increased cultural awareness and engagement across the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies.

Sue Martin, managing director for Johnson & Johnson Medical Australia and New Zealand, and executive sponsor of the RAP, said “Our vision for reconciliation is for an Australian society that values, recognises and is connected to its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, heritages and histories. It also envisions a future where health inequities are a thing of the past and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience high levels of health, wellbeing, and economic prosperity.”

The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies’ 2021-2023 Innovate RAP focuses on four key pillars, including: increasing cultural competency; advancing health equity; expanding supplier diversity with Indigenous owned businesses; and, creating employment opportunities. These pillars are the foundation for building and delivering the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies’ vision for reconciliation and are underpinned by the values of respect, creating opportunities, building positive relationships within our sphere of influence, and ensuring accountability through strong governance. Most recently, these pillars have seen the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies invest $2M in Indigenous owned businesses while advancing relationships with key Indigenous community, education, and business partners, and improving access to health care in remote regions of Australia.

Pastor Raymond Minniecon, Director Bunji Consulting and descendent of the Kabi Kabi nation and the Gurang Gurang nation of South-East Queensland, said “One of the great cultural gifts that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have is our deep longing to care for, and share all that we have, with others. It is more than encouraging to work with an organisation like the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies that not only shares those values, but who commits themselves to instil those values across their organisation to achieve the great vision and need for reconciliation. This Reconciliation Action Plan is a testimony to that commitment.”

The 2021-2023 RAP also reflects values enshrined in the Johnson & Johnson Credo, which champions the importance of supporting communities in which the company lives and works.

“Our Credo guides us towards helping the people in our communities to live healthier lives by providing better access to health and education resources and challenges us to be bold in our actions to create systemic and lasting change. We’re honoured to renew that commitment with our third RAP for the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies and look forward to working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, elders, communities and organisations to deliver our Innovate RAP 2021-2023 over the next two years,” added Sue Martin.