Qantas has unveiled a new regional livery on a QantasLink Dash 8 Q400 aircraft as part of a movement to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Constitution of Australia.
The aptly-named Recognise campaign already has over 200,000 supporters ahead of a referendum to acknowledge these individuals by securing a resounding ‘yes’ vote when the matter goes to the polls.
“As an Australian icon, Qantas is proud to lend its support towards ensuring the first chapter of Australia’s story and the people who forged it are recognised,” said Qantas Group Executive Olivia Wirth.
Support is bound to spread further across the country with QantasLink progressively adding the Recognise logo to its entire fleet of 31 Q400 aircraft.
“We hope that many Australians will see this huge R on the plane as it travels around the country and be inspired to get involved in this historic opportunity to bring the nation together,” said Recognise joint campaign director Tanya Hosch.
“And once we commit, it’s crucial to back up that commitment by taking action to help spread the word, build this people’s movement and bring about this great achievement for the country.”
The Recognise-printed aircraft follow a Qantas Boeing 737-800 bearing Aboriginal ‘Dreamtime’ artwork, unveiled last year.
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jun 2014
Total posts 8
I'm not sure how I feel about this. Bill Shorten has made recent statements saying the change to the constitution should go beyond a symbolic gesture. Many Australia's will rightly be uncomfortable by this and Shorten has guarnateed that it will become a partisan political issue. So this is probably an imapproriate gesture by Qantas.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Aug 2012
Total posts 73
Er, a business like this making a political and potential divisive statement? I dont think thats a good business decision as its sure to alienate some customers. Ah well, they really do some strange things QF.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
Recognising the traditional owners of the land shouldn't be a divisive issue.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jun 2014
Total posts 8
It shouldn't be but if they are planning to go beyond a symbolic change to the constitution people have a right to be concerned (the law of unintended consequences). How can Qantas urge a 'yes' vote (as they have in their press release) when we haven't even seen the question?
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Define the extent of recognition.
20 Aug 2012
Total posts 117
I think they should be saving their money and keeping out of political issues.
12 Feb 2014
Total posts 228
Entirely appropriate for Qantas to do this and consistent with the company's long history of supporting aboriginal culture and place in Australian society. Virgin should get on board too. This will be a bi-partisan campaign once the ALP sorts themselves out and is long overdue.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Jun 2013
Total posts 366
I say well done Qantas,
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
Wholly support this. QANTAS isn't owned by/affiliated with any political party/govt, so it's free to express it's views. About time some people pulled their heads out of the sand to join the 21st century and officially recognize that there were OTHER Australians who inhabited this country for thousands of years before the 'white invasion'. It's a MAJOR part of this countrys history and the constitution should reflect that. For goodness sake, it's not going to 'signal the demise of civilization'!!
27 Feb 2013
Total posts 12
The fact that you feel comfotrable calling it 'white invasion' shows that this issue is divisive. Companies should stay out of politics, especially when the issue has no direct bearing on its business.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 Jun 2014
Total posts 209
Would be great on the a380 but seeing as it only ever goes to SYD and MEL would be inaffective
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Dec 2013
Total posts 12
An issue only becomes political, when it does not have bi-partisan support.
Many companies get behind issues that they, as a collective corporate entity, feel to be inline where their mission and vision.
Corporate lobbying, in this case for constitutional change, can be incredibily powerful.
Acting as a responsible corporation, should not be restricted to aviation activities alone.
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