On this day 49 years ago, Australians voted overwhelmingly to allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be included in the census. It was Australia's most successful referendum and the message of inclusion was made crystal-clear.

This time last year our company was one of a growing number of businesses that publicly stood up to support formal recognition of the first Australians in the Constitution. As we celebrate Reconciliation Week this year, I'm convinced there is more we can do to support a reconciled Australia.

One powerful way that businesses like ours can contribute is to make sure all Australians have the opportunity to share in our country's growth and prosperity.

That means having inclusive workforces and being supportive of diversity in all of its forms.

As Australia focuses on a more innovation-based economy how do we ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have the opportunity to participate on this journey?

As a scientist by trade I'm passionate about how important research is to drive our economic growth and therefore how important science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills are for business. As CEO of a global resources company I see these skills being applied to make businesses more efficient, countries more productive and economies more resilient and able to provide their citizens with meaningful livelihoods.

So the challenge I've put to our people at BHP Billiton (and one I think that can be put to communities and governments and other businesses in Australia) is how to make sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are equipped to harness the opportunities that will arise as the economy focuses on innovation and the demand for STEM skills increases. This is not just about social justice, it's also about economics.

Providing educational opportunities will support a generation of young indigenous Australians who are under-represented in the STEM field. We must act now to enable current and future generations of young indigenous Australians to benefit from this growing demand for STEM skills. This is one of the reasons why the BHP Billiton Foundation has invested $28.8 million in STEM education.

We've partnered with the CSIRO to provide a five-year program that focuses on providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in STEM subjects and related professions.

While investing in STEM education goes a long way, providing role models and inspiring indigenous Australians is another essential ingredient for success.

I have watched in the past few years Adam Goodes stand up for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and encourage them to participate, to train and to excel. We are now seeing a whole new generation of talented young AFL footballers that are inspired and inspiring.

Imagine what we can unleash with a generation of young people trained in STEM and given opportunities to work for CSIRO, global mining companies or start-ups working in medical science?

At BHP we know a diverse workforce provides better perspectives that translate to a competitive advantage. This also applies to the nation. The benefit Australia stands to gain from making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people part of its economic growth is an opportunity we can't afford to miss.

Andrew Mackenzie, CEO