Inclusion and diversity in our department
Our department is committed to building a workforce that represents the community we serve and supports the Queensland Government’s Inclusion and Diversity Strategy 2021–2025.
We recognise that inclusive and diverse workplaces lead to better outcomes for our people and the communities we support and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
We acknowledge our responsibility as leaders and individuals to drive change and we expect all employees, from every classification level, to be accountable for enabling an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and respect.
We understand the importance of attracting, developing and retaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of Queensland.
How we support inclusion and diversity
We embed inclusion and diversity across our department through initiative, partnerships and programs that support our people to thrive and strength our services.
Employee networks
Our employee network groups (ENGs) play an important role inbuilding connection and belonging, sharing lived experiences and driving an inclusive culture.
These include:
- Disability and Accessibility ENG
- LGBTIQIA+ ENG
- First Nations ENG
- Women’s Network
- Multicultural Community.
DEI Champions
Our DEI Champions are executive leaders who actively promote inclusion by fostering safe, respectful and productive workplaces, while serving as allies across all diversity groups through an intersectional approach. They lead key focus domains and work closely with ENGs and staff to amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful, systemic change.
Our Equity and Diversity Plan
The Equity and Diversity Plan outlines how we aim to achieve our commitment and cultivate a workplace culture where the values of equity, respect, inclusion and cultural safety are embraced and demonstrated every day.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
We are committed to building a culturally capable workplace that values the diverse knowledge, skills, history and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Our Reframing the Relationship Plan guides our commitment to a reframed relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples based on fairness, inclusivity, dignity and belonging.
Our focus includes:
- building culturally safe workplaces and service delivery with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through inclusive, accountable leadership and clear processes that aims to build the cultural capabilities of all staff
- implementing culturally safe recruitment, induction and retention processes through improved policy, practices and procedures
- strengthening our response to racism and discrimination through, managing conscious and unconscious bias.
We also support career development through targeted programs that help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees grow into leadership roles including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander career pathways service.
Gender equity
Gender equity in the workplace enables better problem solving, innovation and productivity. It allows us to better serve our diverse community.
We understand the importance of gender diversity in leadership to attract and retain new talent by demonstrating that gender is not a barrier to success.
Our focus includes:
- increase representation and support for women at all levels, particularly in leadership roles
- address equity and diversity identified through annual audits
- demonstrate our commitment to gender equity and creating a safe workplace for everyone.
Disabilities and accessibility
Our Disability Service Plan (DSP) outlines the actions we will take to deliver inclusive, accessible services that uphold human rights, promote choice and participation, and reduce barriers.
The plan also acknowledges the right of people with a disability to participate as equitably as others, bringing to the department a set of unique skills, experiences, perspectives and knowledge.
We support our people through our Disability and Accessibility ENG and partnerships with organisations such as the Australian Network on Disability and Diversity Council Australia.
LGBTQIA+ inclusion
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for LGBTQIA+ employees.
Our membership with Pride in Diversity has been an important step in our commitment.
Our LGBTQIA+ ENG is working to champion a safe, respectful and inclusive culture where LGBTQIA+ employees can proudly be themselves. Members promote inclusion and provide advice to our department through the implementation of initiatives.
The ENG also works to connect our department with whole-of-government initiatives and the Queensland Public Sector LGBTIQ+ action plan and the Queensland Pride in Our Communities Strategy 2024–2032.
Cultural diversity
We value the contributions of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and recognise that diversity strengthens our workforce and our services.
We support the Queensland Government’s Multicultural Policy and Action Plan.
This will help deliver on the Queensland Government’s commitment to promote our state as a united, harmonious and inclusive community.
Domestic and family violence prevention
Together we are building a safe and supportive culture that demonstrates respect, gender equity and a zero tolerance to violence.
The department’s prevention and awareness activities help employees better recognise, prevent, and respond to domestic and family violence. Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported in the workplace.