We are committed to building a department where our people feel a strong sense of belonging and can contribute to the important work we do to help people to find secure work in fair, productive and safe workplaces across Australia.
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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 activities identified through various Commonwealth and APS Strategies including the APS CALD Employment Strategy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy, the APS Disability Employment Strategy, the APS Gender Equality Strategy, the National Autism Strategy, and the Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative.
Learn more about our approach to the First Nations Recruitment.
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 from each of our six employee-led Diversity Networks.
Diversity Champions
Our Executive Diversity Champions work together to achieve a cohesive and intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion. Our Champions support the Diversity Networks by advocating for cultural safety, competency and change. The department appoints Champions in the following areas:
- Dis/Ability and Carers
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
- First Nations
- Gender Equity
- Pride (LGBTQIA+)
- Reconciliation
- Neurodiversity
Diversity Networks
Our six employee-led Diversity Networks are an essential part of our inclusive and diverse workplace. They offer a way for our people to foster connections, support each other and advocate for change.
The Networks 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 also celebrate days of significance at dedicated events throughout the year.
The Diversity Networks are:
- First Nations Network
- Dis/Ability and Carers Network
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Network
- Gender Equity Network
- Pride Network
- Neurodiversity Network
Reconciliation Action Plan
We value reconciliation in our workplace. In 2025, the department launched its Innovate RAP Reconciliation Action Plan. Through this RAP, our actions will achieve meaningful progress towards reconciliation and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The RAP focuses on strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples, including through the programs and services we administer for individuals; promoting reconciliation and positive cultural relations; being culturally responsive; and supporting and growing our First Nations workforce.
Memberships and accreditations
The department is a member of the Diversity Council of Australia, the Australian Network on Disability and Pride in Diversity and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative. We have been assessed as compliant against the Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative. 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.
