Defence recognised as an inclusive workplace

Defence’s commitment to be an inclusive and diverse organisation has been recognised in this year’s Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) Inclusion and Diversity Awards.

Defence was short-listed in the category of Inclusive Workplace of the Year, for the strength of its recent work with the Defence Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which aims to enhance capability by driving Defence to be an inclusive and progressive organisation that can capitalise on a diverse workforce. The Royal Australian Air Force Directorate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs was also nominated for its efforts in Indigenous employment.

Rebecca Skinner, Deputy Secretary of Defence People Group, said that the nominations showed Defence was working to foster an organisation where differences are recognised and valued, and where leadership opportunities are open to anyone with the capacity and drive to seek them.

“Having perspectives and experiences of people from diverse backgrounds means improved decision-making and that makes for a stronger organisation.

“Defence must harness the broadest talents from within our society if we are to remain fully ready to defend Australia,” said Ms Skinner.

Ms Skinner said that in the last 12 months Defence has put particular effort in to a range of diversity and inclusion initiatives to improve the opportunities and experiences of personnel.

“While we still have some way to go, the announcement as a finalist in the AHRI Inclusion and Diversity Awards demonstrates that Defence is on the right path to build a positive culture which delivers an adaptable, inclusive workplace,” said Ms Skinner.

Acting Director General of Personnel—Air Force, Group Captain Margot Forster CSM said the Air Force nomination was “an acknowledgement of our work to provide pathways for Indigenous Australians.

“Our ability to deliver air power in the future will depend on us having the best people for the wide range of Air Force jobs. We need to support our best and brightest with initiatives like Our Land, Our Skies, an Air Force strategy that respects the importance of Indigenous connections to people and place and incorporates recruiting and retention initiatives for Indigenous Australians,” Group Captain Forster said.

For more information about the strategy and Defence’s diversity and inclusion efforts see the Centre of Diversity Expertise page on the Defence website.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999