Complaints

Search

2 Introduction

2.1 What is Workplace Diversity?

The term diversity refers to what makes us different. It covers gender, age, language, disability, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation and religious belief. Diversity also refers to our many other differences in education, work experience, occupation, socio-economic background, marital status and whether or not we have family and carer responsibilities.

Workplace diversity encompasses, but goes beyond, the traditional concept of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). The object is to ensure that we are representative of the community we serve and that we value and make the fullest possible use of the diverse backgrounds, skills, talents and perspectives of all our people. We seek to ensure full participation of staff, community members and service recipients.

EEO policies address continued disadvantage experienced by particular groups of people in the workplace, including women, Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities and those who suffer disadvantage on the basis of race or ethnicity. These policies remain an important foundation for our diversity strategy.

Workplace diversity programs are built on the principle that a diverse workforce is creative, innovative, and improves public service responsiveness and performance.

2.2 Legal Framework

The Public Service Act 1999 and Public Service Commissioner’s Directions require all agencies to establish workplace diversity programs to assist in giving effect to the APS Values.

The APS Values are central to management in the APS. The following APS Values are especially relevant to diversity policies:

  • merit-based employment (section 10(b) of the PS Act);
  • non-discrimination and diversity (section 10(c));
  • fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace (section 10(j)); and
  • equity in employment (section 10(l)).

Section 10(g), which requires sensitivity to the diversity of the Australian public when delivering services, is relevant to the management of an agency.

APS employees also have responsibilities which relate to diversity under the APS Code of Conduct:

  • an APS employee, when acting in connection with APS employment, must treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and without harassment (section 13(3) of the PS Act); and
  • an APS employee must at all times behave in a way that upholds the APS Values and Employment Principles, and the integrity and good reputation of the Commission and the APS (section 13(11)).

The Enterprise Agreement of the Australian Human Rights Commission includes a commitment to Workplace Diversity.