The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) officially received its White Ribbon workplace accreditation during a ceremony in Canberra today.
Speaking at ADFA, the Chief Executive Officer of White Ribbon Australia Ms Libby Davies commended the Academy for its outstanding efforts in driving cultural change.
“Over the past 18 months, ADFA has demonstrated its deep commitment to cultural change through the enhancement of HR policies, procedures and training critical to engage with staff and drive organisational culture that demonstrates a safe and respectful workplace,” Ms Davies said.
“They are part of a cohort of diverse organisations accredited, covering the public and private sectors, and who appreciate and give testament to the fact that ending men’s violence against women is absolutely a workplace issue.”
Among the VIP attendees at the event was the Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC, the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN and Service chiefs.
“ADFA plays a very important role in training and educating the future junior leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.
“We have had our issues, there is no denying that. But this is a milestone that sends a strong message about the journey we have been on and future we want for the ADF.
“We are embedding positive cultural change in our organisation, and the graduates of ADFA will play a key role in influencing this change throughout their future careers.”
Vice Admiral Griggs said White Ribbon accreditation exemplified the ongoing commitment to shaping Defence’s attitudes, systems and behaviours to increase diversity and improve capability.
“Respect is crucial to ensuring Defence has an inclusive, supportive and diverse workforce. Treating every member of the ADF with respect means we all have the opportunity to contribute and work as a team to achieve the greatest outcomes,” he said.
The Commandant of ADFA, Air Commodore Alan Clements believes the journey towards accreditation has been positive for ADFA.
“The staff and trainee officers now have a clearer understanding of the issues surrounding domestic violence, and violence against women. We are committed to supporting White Ribbon Australia in their campaign to prevent men’s violence against women. ADFA’s accreditation is not the end of the journey. We will continue to reinforce the White Ribbon principles in our cultural reform program.”
In order to achieve workplace accreditation, ADFA had to meet a range of criteria over an 18 month period. During the accreditation process, ADFA personnel completed education and awareness training and participated in a number of White Ribbon themed events. Over 300 ADFA officer cadets and midshipmen also became White Ribbon advocates.
For more information about White Ribbon Australia’s Workplace Accreditation Program or White Ribbon Australia’s campaign to prevent men’s violence against women, visit www.whiteribbon.org.au/workplaces.
Media note:
Vision will be fed to the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery later today.
Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20153365
Media contact:
Defence Media: (02) 6127 1999
