IAG, a vocal supporter of calls to enshrine Indigenous viewpoints, has commended a proposed referendum on giving First Nations people constitutional recognition.

It follows the launch earlier this year of IAG’s third Reconciliation Action Plan, aiming to provide employment, education and professional development for Indigenous people.

The Government has set aside $160 million for a referendum once a model has been determined.

“It’s important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are given the opportunity to have a voice on decisions that affect their communities,” IAG MD and CEO Peter Harmer said.

“This is an opportunity for positive change that will benefit First Nations peoples and communities – and the wider Australian community.”

Other organisations supporting the referendum alongside IAG include BHP, KPMG, Lendlease, PwC, Qantas, Richmond Football Club, the NRL, Rio Tinto, Swinburne University, Woodside, Curtin University and law firm Herbert Smith Freehills.

Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt wants to secure a consensus option for constitutional recognition during this parliamentary term, but says he will not “rush it”.

“I do not want to proceed if we are not going to be successful,” he told the National Press Club last week.

“We need to design the right model to progress to a point at which the majority of Australians, the majority of states and territories and Indigenous Australians support the model.”

“The development of a local, regional and national voice will be achieved.”