We are committed to building a department where our people feel they belong and can contribute to the important work we do to assist people to find secure work in fair, productive and safe workplaces across Australia.
On this page:
Our approach to diversity and inclusion
The department recognises that our people are our greatest strength. To best assist the Australian people in their employment, we strive to create a workforce which represents and understands the needs of Australians, whilst fostering a work environment that is inclusive, culturally safe, respectful and underpinned by integrity. We do so through the delivery of dedicated diversity and inclusion strategies, plans, programs, events and other initiatives.
We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. We are committed to the attraction, retention and positive workplace experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who identify as neurodivergent.
We are committed to actioning the APS-wide Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020-2024, the Australian Public Service Disability Employment Strategy 2020-2025, and the APS Gender Equality Strategy 2021-2026.
Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Committee provides advice to mature the department’s approach to diversity and inclusion, promoting principles of collaboration, equity, integration and intersectionality. Membership includes one Diversity and Inclusion Champion per cohort, and one Co-Chair of each of the Diversity and Inclusion Networks.
Diversity and Inclusion Champions
Our Executive Diversity and Inclusion Champions work together to achieve a cohesive approach to diversity and inclusion. Our Champions support the Diversity and Inclusion Networks by advocating for cultural safety, competency, and change. The department appoints 2 Champions for each group:
- Dis/Ability and Carers
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
- First Nations
- Gender Equity
- Pride
- Reconciliation
Diversity and Inclusion Networks
Our Networks are an essential part of our inclusive and diverse workplace. They offer a way for employees to connect with, find support and thrive with others in the department.
The employee-led Networks help to actively drive and promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, improve employment outcomes, and create a positive working experience in the day-to-day lives of our people. The Networks celebrate days of significance at dedicated events throughout the year. All Networks have an Executive Team, of which all APS and Executive Level employees can apply.
The Diversity and Inclusion Networks:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network
- Dis/Ability and Carers Network
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Network
- Gender Equity Network
- Pride Network
Reconciliation Action Plan and Working Group
We value reconciliation in our workplace. We are developing a new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to build our reconciliation journey together. This is an opportunity to strengthen our understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, history and diversity. Our Reconciliation Champion Chairs our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, with the support of Human Resources, and in consultation with Reconciliation Australia.
Memberships and accreditations
The department is a member of the Diversity Council of Australia, the Australian Network on Disability and Pride in Diversity. We are also an accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace and have facilities across our buildings to support this.
Secretary Natalie James is also a member of Champions of Change Coalition, a globally recognised, innovative strategy for achieving gender equality, advancing more and diverse women in leadership, and building respectful and inclusive workplaces.
