ADF participation in Mardi Gras

Australian Defence Force members will march in uniform at the Sydney Mardi Gras in 2013.

Defence personnel have participated in the Mardi Gras since 2008 but the volunteer contingent of soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen will march as a formed body for the first time in the Mardi Gras parade on 2 March 2013.

The decision coincides with the 20th anniversary of the removal of the ban on homosexuals serving in the military and demonstrates the ADF's desire to reflect the community it serves.

Diversity is a strength and asset for today's employers, and Defence is no exception. Workplace inclusion for all ADF members is a high priority for the organisation as it undergoes cultural change through the Pathway to Change strategy.

Defence is working on a number of initiatives to further enhance and support diversity in the ADF workforce, including an Ambassador Network and Diversity Strategy.

In addition, Air Force has recently introduced diversity handbooks for lesbian, gay and bisexual members and commanders, and Defence will look to roll this out for the rest of the organisation.

Twenty years after the removal of the restrictions on homosexual members, Defence continues to support and improve diversity in the Australian Defence Force.