Defence’s commitment to be an inclusive and diverse organisation has been recognised by the Australian Human Resources Institute.
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.
“Having perspectives and experiences of people from diverse backgrounds means improved decision-making and that makes for a stronger organisation," said Rebecca Skinner, Deputy Secretary of Defence People Group (3-star/SES Band 3).
“Defence must harness the broadest talents from within our society if we are to remain fully ready to defend Australia."
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.
Defence is 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.
"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,” said Group Captain Margot Forster, Acting Director General Personnel — Air Force said.
"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."
For more information about the strategy and Defence’s diversity and inclusion efforts see the Centre of Diversity Expertise page on the Defence website.