The defeat of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum this past Saturday has led the Business Council of Australia (BCA) to reassert its ongoing commitment Indigenous Australia.

The Business Council had originally endorsed the Voice as part of its comprehensive strategy to work alongside First Nations peoples. At the time when they announced their support for the Yes vote then Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said "We believe the Voice is the right mechanism to give Indigenous Australians a stronger say on legislation, policy and programs that directly impact their communities and their lives,''

BCA Chief Executive Bran Black stated, "We supported the Voice as a mechanism for consultation, partnership, and ultimately, for increasing opportunities for Indigenous Australians." Despite the setback at the polls, the Council maintains its focus on meaningful reconciliation.

"BCA members remain committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities to build shared prosperity," said Black.

In recent years, BCA members have become significant employers of Indigenous Australians and have launched impactful initiatives such as 'Raising the Bar.' Aligned with state and federal procurement policies, this program has significantly boosted spending with Indigenous suppliers, projecting a cumulative $3 billion in procurement from Indigenous businesses by 2023/24.

Adding weight to the BCA's statement the Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney added in an interview this week that there was an urgent need for a "healing process" in the wake of the referendum.

The Minister committed that the Commonwealth government's focus going forward would on "health, housing, education, and employment" for Indigenous communities.