Cochlear reinforces commitment to reconciliation with launch of Reconciliation Action Plan

Sydney, Australia – 2 December 2021: Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, has today launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Cochlear joins leading Australian organisations in formalising its commitment to recognising and reconciling with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Cochlear CEO and President, Dig Howitt, said the RAP built on actions already undertaken to drive reconciliation within Cochlear and across our network and partners.

“Cochlear has taken some important steps in advancing reconciliation, celebrating First Nations peoples important role in Australia’s past, present and future, and committing to engaging and working more closely with First Nations communities. I am proud of the efforts we have made so far. Equally, I believe we must do more. Over the next 12 months we will focus on exploring and investigating the practical actions we can take as we move into the next phase of our reconciliation journey.”

As a leader in the Australian hearing health sector, Cochlear is concerned about the significant gap that exists between First Nations and non-First Nations Australians when it comes to hearing health. In partnership with First Nations leaders and communities and key figures in the hearing health sector, Cochlear will help identify key initiatives and practical actions that will contribute to closing this gap.

Working within the Reconciliation Australia framework, Cochlear’s plan provides the foundation for listening, learning and understanding, and outlines how the organisation can make a meaningful and lasting contribution to reconciliation.

“Some of the actions we’ll take include developing and supporting STEM career pathways for First Nations students, building on existing relationships with First Nations suppliers and expanding that network, and making Cochlear a culturally safe and welcoming environment for all,” said Mr. Howitt.

Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine, welcomed the commitment to reconciliation that Cochlear has demonstrated through its Reflect RAP.

“Getting these first steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives and provides meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey."

Cochlear’s Reflect RAP can be found on Reconciliation Australia’s website.

About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)

People have always been Cochlear’s inspiration, ever since Professor Graeme Clark set out to create the first multi-channel cochlear implant after seeing his father struggle with hearing loss. Since 1981, Cochlear has provided more than 650,000 devices in more than 180 countries, helping people of all ages around the world to hear. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear connects people with life’s opportunities, and welcomes them to the world’s largest hearing implant community.

Cochlear has a global workforce of more than 4,000 people, with a passion for progress, who strive to meet the needs of people living with hearing loss. The company continually innovates to anticipate future needs, investing more than AUD$2 billion to date [in research and development] to push the boundaries of technology and help more people hear.

For further information, please contact:
Jennifer Stevenson
Vice President, Communications & Brand
Email: jstevenson@cochlear.com
Phone: (+61) 2 9611 6959