There is more to be given by businesses within our communities than just fulfilling the needs of its shareholders or owners. Those were the sentiments of Neville Roach, Chairman of Fujitsu Australia and former Chairman of the Council for Multicultural Australia. He provided an inspirational business and personal perspective on the Assembly theme, ‘Civil Society – The Challenge of Leadership’.
“It would reflect a very selfish perspective that business has the right to take full advantage of everything society provides, but no responsibility to give back in return,” he said. “The most valuable contribution that a business can make to a civil society is to encourage its employees to become actively involved in the life of the community, including participation in the development of public policy.”
He encouraged businesses to participate in the development of public policy that does not directly influence the business itself, but in policies that concern the well being of the community.
In developing a civil society, the greatest quality Australians have, according to Neville Roach is volunteerism. He said this was clearly reflected in the participation of so many Australians during the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and in times of disaster.
“I close my eyes and imagine I am back in Homebush Bay in Sydney, and try to relive those wonderful weeks of the Games, when we Australians showed ourselves, and the world, what a truly civil society could be like,” he said.“I can think of no time in the 41 years I have been fortunate to live in Australia, that I felt more Australian and more delighted to be one.”
In exercising fundamental civic responsibility, Neville Roach suggests four steps. These involve developing of a set of values, then applying those values rigorously to form one’s views, thirdly have the courage to speak on the issues you feel most strongly about, and lastly, not being discouraged if you are not immediately successful.
“The choice of field in which you exercise leadership and the manner in which you do so, is entirely up to you,” he said. “You will never lack for opportunity. You can become an opinion leader, influencing your community, or you can lead by example, doing good works and fulfilling your social responsibility through grand projects, or by just being there for someone in need. Ideally, you should do both, influence ideas and attitudes, and contribute by matching words with actions.”
