Reconciliation Australia revokes Telstra's Reconciliation Action Plan

The telecommunications giant says it's disappointed Reconciliation Australia will no longer endorse Telstra's status as an Elevate Reconciliation action plan organisation.

13YARN is exclusively run by First Nations people, with the aim of providing a culturally safe space for mob to seek help. Source: Stock Image

Reconciliation Australia has revoked Telstra's Reconciliation Action Plan, determining the communications company has failed to be a leader in the movement.

Last year, the consumer watchdog ACCC launched action against Telstra for 'unconscionable' conduct involving Indigenous customers, and said the population's cultural vulnerabilities had been exploited. 

More than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers were signed up to contracts they could not understand or afford between 2016 and 2018. 

Reconciliation Australia launched an inquiry into Telstra and said it found the company did not notify it of complaints that were part of the ACCC's investigation.

Telstra CEO Andrew Penn. Source: AAP

The telco said it had work to do to rebuild relationships and trust, adding it will implement cultural awareness training for staff. 

Reconciliation Australia said it will remain in talks with Telstra as part of the development of a new action plan.