“While Australia continues to exclude same-sex attracted people from this important and highly valued institution, it sends a message that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation remains acceptable. This is unacceptable to us as a company that strives to support equal rights and opportunities.”
– Richard Goyder, Managing Director of Wesfarmers
“Support from corporations like Wesfarmers, whose customer base is suburban middle Australia, shows how mainstream marriage equality has become.”
– Rodney Croome, National Director, AME
Five of Australia’s best known and most high profile companies have joined more almost 500 other businesses to push for marriage equality, Australian Marriage Equality National Director, Rodney Croome announced today.
“These companies represent millions of Australian workers and customers, and their support for marriage equality will increase the momentum for reform”, Mr Croome said.
“Support from corporations like Wesfarmers, whose customer base is suburban middle Australia, shows how mainstream marriage equality has become.”
“The business community understands that marriage equality is good for their workforce, the economy and the community.”
“A letter signed by all the companies that back marriage equality will be presented to the Prime Minister when parliament returns.”
Small businesses have also added their support by taking out full-page ads in local papers to show their support in regional centres including Launceston, Goulburn, Noosa, Bendigo, Ballarat, Shepparton, Penrith, Bunbury and Rockhampton.
Jeff Herbert-Smith, head of Markets and PRIDE Executive Sponsor, J.P. Morgan Australia and New Zealand said:
“We recognise, like many other Australian and international organisations, that we gain strength from a diverse workforce and as such, we are proud to declare our support for Marriage Equality in Australia.”
“We believe that in treating all Australians equally, our country and our people will be able to function at their best.”
Richard Goyder, Managing Director of Wesfarmers, wrote in his letter of support
“While Australia continues to exclude same-sex attracted people from this important and highly valued institution, it sends a message that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation remains acceptable. This is unacceptable to us as a company that strives to support equal rights and opportunities.”
CEO of LJ Hooker Corporation, Grant Harrod said in his letter of support
“We believe that all individuals should live knowing they have a right to all the essential freedoms enjoyed by other members of the broader community – including the right to marry.”
Boston Consulting is sponsoring a corporate fundraiser for the marriage equality campaign to be held at New South Wales Parliament on the 12th of August.
The event will include speeches from Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, Women’s Weekly Deputy Editor, Juliet Reiden, and the Hon. Michael Kirby SC
For more information on the fundraiser visit
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/marriage-equality-engagement-tickets-17667601271
For a list of major coporations backing marriage equality visit https://www.australianmarriageequality.org/open-letter-of-support/
Media Contact:
Australian Marriage Equality – Rodney Croome 0409 010 668
Herbert Smith Freehills – Arriarne Kemp-Bishop 03 9288 1996
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 5 August 2015