Maybe.
Microsoft bought LinkedIn and now the platform seems to be heading downhill in the name of Professional Community Policies despite the new fancy features.
And Microsoft has a history of acquiring companies and not doing justice to them (did someone say Nokia?) but since Microsoft took over LinkedIn, there has been an increase in the number of complaints from black, people of colour and Indigenous people who claim they have been targeted and banned from the platform.
Even The New York Times wrote an article about how LinkedIn was using its Professional Community Policies to potentially delete content and ban black users that posted content it deemed offensive.
Unlike the anti-Indigenous users of LinkedIn who troll Indigenous people and post discriminative/racist content but are never reprimanded for their unprofessional behaviour, double standards much?
But when a billionaire (Bill Gates) emphasises the significance of free speech and even cautioned about the potential threat to free speech on Twitter by Elon Musk, it raises questions when a company like Microsoft which he founded/owns acquires a social platform that is now arguably subject to more censorship than Twitter has ever experienced.
This leaves me pondering the actual state of free speech.
And to be honest, it wouldn’t surprise me if LinkedIn’s Professional Community Policies under Microsoft rule are now discriminatory towards Indigenous and people of colour.
The reason why I say that is because when I was invited to be a founding member of the Microsoft Reconciliation (RAP) Advisory Board, I was originally excited because the closing the gap targets between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians had not been met or even close to it at the time, and now one of the biggest and resource-rich companies in the world was committed to helping Indigenous people.
I wasn’t excited about my own professional development because the First Nations advisory board members received no financial compensation for their time and expertise, which is another story.
But when I learned that the philanthropic side of Microsoft in Australia supposedly only had a budget of only $50,000 to give to an external charity/organisation, I lost all the excitement and expectations I had in Microsoft’s ability to help close the disparity gaps in Australia.
It made me question the company’s capacity and sincerity to effectively address and narrow disparity gaps in the country.
In all fairness, it is likely that Bill hasn’t had the opportunity to visit First Nations communities in Australia before.
But it’s important to note that some of these communities face similar challenges as those in third-world or developing countries, despite being located within a “developed first-world” country like Australia. This might explain the lack of a larger philanthropic budget allocated to Australia at the time.
But from my personal perspective, it seemed to reflect a larger issue within the company culture in Australia with an emphasis on minimal corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in pursuit of maximising profits.
And it raises questions about the true intentions behind many company Reconciliation initiatives in Australia and whether they genuinely prioritise a positive community impact or simply engage in token gestures for appearance’s sake.
And to add it this point, it was surprising (or not) to discover that even the individual responsible for the retail operations at Microsoft Australia at the time showed a lack of interest in providing assistance or interest towards closing the disparity gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, despite also being a founding member of the Microsoft Reconciliation (RAP) Advisory Board (ironically).
When I approached him to inquire about potential discounts or opportunities to make Microsoft retail products more accessible to First People, he simply mentioned the existing student discounts, which unfortunately closed the door on exploring further possibilities to close the disparity gaps through Microsoft retail products.
If I had approached him with a proposal that could enhance their profits and increase his bonus pay, I’m confident that he would have been more engaged and eager to explore the topic further.
This was a valuable learning experience from an Indigenous perspective – don’t expect much from large corporations, as they won’t do much (compared to their profits) unless there’s a clear path toward making more money… did someone say government procurement contracts?
But if corporations and billionaires spent more money on their corporate social responsibility initiatives than they do on public relations and philanthropic efforts, they would 100% make a bigger impact and create positive change.
And while it is important to acknowledge the positive impact of some of their philanthropic efforts, it can’t be denied that there is a recurring pattern of prioritising PR and media relations within their corporate strategy.
Let’s be honest here…
And if Microsoft and LinkedIn were serious about diversity and respecting Indigenous rights, they would review their Professional Community Policies to ensure that these policies are being fairly applied.
Even a person of colour who’s an international author and activist, Ruby Hamad was supposedly targeted and banned from LinkedIn for mentioning white women, which are the titles/themes of her books.
If I still had access to LinkedIn, I would have found the post on LinkedIn talking about this issue that potentially discriminates against people of colour and Ruby Hamad, and how the platform applies double standards to its Professional Community Policies. But yeah, nah, I was banned from the platform too.
When I say that LinkedIn has become more censored than Twitter, I’m not joking. It seems Bill Gates Microsoft only applies their right to free speech as long as you don’t mention their ties to Jeffrey Epstein or affect their money-making relationship with governments.
But surprisingly, I haven’t even gotten a warning or been threatened with a ban on Twitter thanks, Elon!
One thing that can be said about Elon Musk is that he doesn’t (usually) pretend to be a philanthropist like many others in the business world. Even though he probably isn’t the right person to push world policies that benefit society as a whole, when it comes to innovation, he does well.
In contrast, the person who is arguably responsible for influencing world policies at the United Nations and developing countries needs to do better.
Let’s start with fewer PR campaigns and more results.
And before large corporations resort to portraying themselves as victims and attempt to portray their contributions as fair (while shifting the blame onto the most economically disadvantaged), I would like to present the ABS taxation revenue snapshot as a point of reference.
39% personal income revenue vs only 19% from company tax doesn’t seem fair just like Microsofts LinkedIn Professional Community Policies.
P.S. It’s important to address the issue of claiming workers’ personal income tax as a Company tax contribution. This practice, which is probably aimed at avoiding further taxes or exploiting tax avoidance loopholes, raises concerns about fairness and accountability.
P.P.S. Microsoft, you shouldn’t be surprised but feel free to continue playing your fiddle and exaggerating the amount of work you do in the CSR/Reconciliation field.
| Who | Reconciliation Claim | Barayamal Score | Public Score |
| Google | RAP
Our vision for reconciliation is one where the cultures, knowledge and histories of Indigenous Australians are accessible, understood and appreciated by all Australians. | 2/5 | 2.4/5 |
| ASIC | RAP
Ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can access the financial system and experience positive financial outcomes. | 3/5 | |
| Reflections Holiday Park | RAP
Reflections will develop opportunities for cultural expression and celebration while delivering social, cultural and economic outcomes for Aboriginal communities. | 1/5 | |
| KPMG | RAP
Guided by our purpose to ‘Inspire Confidence, Empower Change’, we are committed to placing truth-telling, self-determination and cultural safety at the centre of our approach. | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Whitehaven Coal | RAP
Promises Indigenous employment, economic opportunities and cultural engagement initiatives. | 1/5 | |
| IMB Bank | RAP
Promises to foster meaningful relationships and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities | 1/5 | |
| Expedia Group | RAP
Promises to foster reconciliation by enhancing relationships, respect and opportunities through targeted initiatives and measurable outcomes. | 1/5 | |
| BlackRock | RAP
Commits to reconciliation through transparency, employment and community support. | 1/5 | |
| NSW Office of Sport | RAP
Commits to advancing reconciliation through sport. | 1/5 | |
| HSBC | RAP
Aims for Indigenous banking inclusion and developing supplier diversity. | 1/5 | |
| Jackson, Clements, Burrows Architects (JCBA) | Innovate RAP | | |
| Winning Group | Innovate RAP (June 2026 to May 2027) | | |
| Catholic Health Australia (CHA) | Reflect RAP (May 2026 to November 2027) | | |
| Triple Zero Victoria | Reflect RAP (March 2026 to September 2027) | | |
| Anglican Diocese of Perth | Reflect RAP (March 2026 to April 2028) | | |
| Special Teaching and Research (STaR) ltd | Reflect RAP (March 2026 to March 2027) | | |
| NA Group | Innovate RAP (March 2026 to February 2028) | | |
| AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. (TSX:ATRL) | Reflect RAP (March 2026 to March 2027) | | |
| Watkins Taylor Stone Insurance Brokers | Reflect RAP (March 2026 to March 2027) | | |
| Peoplecare Health Insurance | Reflect RAP (March 2026 to February 2027) | | |
| OzFish Unlimited Ltd | Reflect RAP (March 2026 to April 2027) | | |
| Commercial Property Cleaning Pty Ltd | Innovate RAP (March 2026 to February 2028) | | |
| Engineers Australia | Innovate RAP (February 2026 to February 2028) | | |
| Shamrock Civil Engineering | Innovate RAP (February to December) | | |
| Public Transport Authority of Western Australia | Innovate RAP (February 2026 to February 2028) | | |
| The Sovereign Hill Museums Association Limited | Innovate RAP (February 2026 to February 2028) | | |
| Allianz Australia | Innovate RAP (February 2026 to February 2028) | | |
| Keystone Civil | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to February 2027) | | |
| Challenger Services Group Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to April 2027) | | |
| QLeave – Portable Long Service Leave | Innovate RAP (February 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| Scouts Victoria | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to February 2027) | | |
| City Property Services | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| TurksLegal | Innovate RAP (February 2026 to February 2028) | | |
| TBWA Melbourne | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to July 2027) | | |
| Sentinel Security Group | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to August 2027) | | |
| The Front Project | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to February 2027) | | |
| Pacific Building Management Group | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to August 2027) | | |
| Tangalooma Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) | Innovate RAP (February 2026 to February 2028) | | |
| Community and Oral Health, Metro North Health | Innovate RAP (February 2026 to December 2027) | | |
| Lululemon | Reflect RAP (February 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| Timberlink Australia & New Zealand | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to December 2027) | | |
| The Northern Trust Company | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| KOJO Studios Pty Limited | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| Rowe Group / Proven Project Management | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| Only About Children | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to July 2027) | | |
| Contemporary SA Incorporated | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| Sydney Civil | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| Pacific Blue | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to December 2027) | | |
| Community Broadcasting Foundation | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to December 2027) | | |
| Compnow | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to July 2027) | | |
| Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| CIP Consolidated Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| M&C Saatchi Australia | Reflect RAP (January to December) | | |
| Sesame Lane Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| MTC FutureReady Limited | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| Southern Queensland Landscapes | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| | | |
| Melbourne Polytechnic | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| Project Youth | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| Australian Water Association Limited | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| Mercy Connect | Reflect RAP (January to December) | | |
| Capital Paws Veterinary Group | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to July 2027) | | |
| Drummond Street Services (DSS) | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to August 2027) | | |
| Calisthenics Victoria | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| Rural City of Murray Bridge | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| Diversified | Reflect RAP (January to December) | | |
| Australian Business and Community Network | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| UGL Pty Ltd | Stretch RAP (January 2026 to December 2028) | | |
| Wilson Architects | Reflect RAP (January to December) | | |
| Western Power | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to December 2027) | | |
| ASM GLOBAL (ASIA PACIFIC) PTY LTD | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| WOWOWA Architecture | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to December 2027) | | |
| One Michelin Group Australia | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| Federal Court of Australia Entity | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to January 2027) | | |
| Hawkesbury City Council | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| Wombat Housing Support Services Inc | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to December 2027) | | |
| Evinact | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| Today Strategic Design Pty Ltd | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to December 2027) | | |
| Acquired Awareness Traffic Management | Innovate RAP (January 2026 to January 2028) | | |
| Step 2 Allied Health | Reflect RAP (January 2026 to June 2027) | | |
| Better Rehab | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to June 2027) | | |
| Exec Security | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to April 2027) | | |
| MDA National | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to June 2027) | | |
| Rain Consulting Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to March 2027) | | |
| Thales Australia | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Hoskins Contracting Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to June 2027) | | |
| SA Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to January 2027) | | |
| Scyne Advisory | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Goldbridge Rehabilitation Services | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Rare | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Health Infrastructure | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Portland District Health (PDH) | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to July 2027) | | |
| Townsville Catholic Education | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to May 2027) | | |
| Gallagher Jeffs | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to June 2027) | | |
| Raw Worx Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Gunnedah Shire Council | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Boar Group | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) Ltd | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| MAPCo | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Lifeline WA | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Potentia Energy | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Inspired Adventures | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to February 2027) | | |
| Department of Employment and Workplace Relations | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| SHAC | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Cleanworks Australia | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to May 2027) | | |
| Industrial Light & Magic | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| ACEN Australia | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Ronald Mcdonald House Charities Sydney | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Fair Foundations | Reflect RAP (December 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Australian Competition & Consumer Commission | Innovate RAP (December 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Shape Australia | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Productivity Commission | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Country Universities Centre Southern Shoalhaven | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Living Positive Victoria | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to May 2027) | | |
| Vibrant Services Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to April 2027) | | |
| Snowy Hydro | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to November 2026) | | |
| Department of Veterans’ Affairs | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Nationwide Crane Hire Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to May 2027) | | |
| Heidelberg Materials Australia Group Pty Ltd | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Renewal SA | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Donor Republic | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to November 2026) | | |
| Pilbara Community Legal Service | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2028) | | |
| WA State Solicitor’s Office | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to June 2027) | | |
| Miles Accommodation Services | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Koorana Child & Family Services | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| BCD Travel Australia | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to May 2027) | | |
| RELX | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to May 2027) | | |
| Metrics Credit Partners | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Starick Services Inc | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| South Australian Forestry Corporation (Forestry SA) | Innovate RAP (November 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Dignity | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to October 2026) | | |
| Arthritis Australia | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to October 2026) | | |
| Somerset Regional Council | Reflect RAP (November 2025 to May 2027) | | |
| Allianz Partners | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to March 2027) | | |
| Jarrah Integrated Services Pty Ltd | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to April 2027) | | |
| Kennett Builders | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to October 2026) | | |
| Insignia Financial | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Homes North Community Housing | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to November 2027) | | |
| Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| RWW Group | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to April 2027) | | |
| J.P. Morgan | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to April 2027) | | |
| SA Power Networks | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Source My Parts | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to October 2026) | | |
| ModnPods Australia Pty Ltd | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Common Ground Queensland | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Dietitians Australia | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| AbbVie Australia (AbbVie) | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Cancer Council WA (CCWA) | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| City of Stonnington | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Creating Communities Australia Pty Ltd | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Australian Institute of Family Studies | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to April 2027) | | |
| Kilmore Group | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to October 2026) | | |
| Scouts Australia | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to March 2027) | | |
| Port of Melbourne | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| WA Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Australasian Union of Jewish Students | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to October 2026) | | |
| NetApp | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to December 2027) | | |
| Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Australian Sports Commission | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| Tyree Group | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to September 2026) | | |
| Australian Gas Infrastructure Group | Innovate RAP (October 2025 to October 2027) | | |
| Together For Humanity | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to December 2026) | | |
| Global Rev Gen (GRG) | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to April 2027) | | |
| Australian Council for Adult Literacy | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to April 2027) | | |
| Westpac Group | Stretch RAP (October 2025 to October 2028) | | |
| Comlink Australia | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to September 2026) | | |
| Indiji Enterprises Pty Ltd T/A Indiji Civil | Reflect RAP (October 2025 to October 2026) | | |
| BridgeClimb | Innovate RAP (September 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| Deloitte | Stretch RAP (September 2025 to May 2028) | | |
| OzChild | Stretch RAP (September 2025 to September 2028) | | |
| Lives Lived Well (LLW) | Innovate RAP (September 2025 to August 2027) | | |
| Duratec Limited | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to September 2026) | | |
| Blue Knot Foundation | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to March 2027) | | |
| OzHarvest | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to September 2026) | | |
| GoTransit Media Group | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to September 2026) | | |
| McMillan Shakespeare Group (MMS) | Innovate RAP (September 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| Toyota Finance Australia Limited | Innovate RAP (September 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| GS Engineering & Construction | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to March 2027) | | |
| Rest Superannuation | Innovate RAP (September 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| Nine | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to September 2026) | | |
| LSKD | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to June 2026) | | |
| Colac Area Health | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to September 2026) | | |
| DesignInc Sydney | Innovate RAP (September 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| Northcott Disability Services | Stretch RAP (September 2025 to August 2028) | | |
| Saab Australia Pty Ltd | Innovate RAP (September 2025 to September 2027) | | |
| Green Wind Renewables | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to March 2027) | | |
| The Estée Lauder Companies | Reflect RAP (September 2025 to January 2027) | | |
