Inclusion and diversity

PM&C Inclusion and Diversity Strategy 2023–26

We are proud to share our vision for enhancing the diversity of our workforce and embedding a culture of inclusion. The PM&C Inclusion and Diversity Strategy 2023-2026 sets out our shared commitment to:

• building a workforce that represents, understands and best serves the Australian community
• modelling inclusive behaviours and practices in everything that we do, including acting with respect, courtesy and kindness and respectfully calling out behaviours that may constitute harassment, discrimination bias and racism
• fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive culture where people have a sense of belonging, meaningful contribution and purpose, and a positive experience at work.

The strategy incorporates our commitment to actioning APS-wide diversity strategies.

To support the strategy, we offer a range of initiatives focused on strengthening our commitment to workplace inclusion and diversity now and into the future, such as:

• exciting events across the year recognising and celebrating dates of national significance, including NAIDOC Week, National Reconciliation Week, International Women's Day, Harmony Week, World Autism Awareness week and R U OK? Day, and more
• training in inclusive leadership, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness, disability awareness and mental health first aid
• inclusive and contemporary employment entitlements including flexible work, cultural and ceremonial leave, parental leave, maximum support for employee's affected by domestic and family violence, support for breastfeeding in the workplace, support for gender affirmation and transitioning employees
• generous study assistance with additional provisions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
• wellbeing supports and safe avenues to raise complaints including a reasonable adjustments officer, workplace respect officers and an employee assistance program that provides free counselling and support to employees and their families
• a contemporary office design compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Building Code of Australia design guidelines
• active membership with external bodies such as the Diversity Council of Australia, the Australian Disability Network and Pride in Diversity.

Inclusion and diversity committee and champions

Given the importance of inclusion and diversity within PM&C, we have an oversight committee and champions at the senior executive level.

Our Inclusion and Diversity Committee is chaired by the Secretary and includes all Deputy Secretaries and Inclusion and Diversity Champions. 

The committee is responsible for the strategic direction of inclusion and diversity within PM&C and monitoring progress. It proactively drives inclusive workplace conversations and discussion about diversity and inclusion issues. 

Our Senior Executive Service (SES) level Inclusion and Diversity Champions:

• provide visible leadership, sponsorship and commitment
• model and promote the values and benefits of diversity and inclusion
• represent PM&C at internal and external meetings and events
• facilitate conversations with staff about their lived experience
• engage with other senior leaders and managers to represent the perspectives of their diversity cohorts.

PM&C has the following Inclusion and Diversity Champions:

• Executive Inclusion and Diversity Champion
• Reconciliation Champion
• First Nations Champion
• Ability Champion
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Champion
• Gender Champion
• Pride Champion
• Wellbeing Champion.

Inclusion and diversity networks and working groups

We have 6 active, staff-led employee networks providing peer support and connection for staff who identify with specific diversity groups and allies. These are supported by the Inclusion and Diversity Champions.

The networks help to foster a culture where everyone feels valued, safe and included at work. They help staff celebrate and acknowledge diversity, share lived experience and provide peer support and allyship. They facilitate events and promote specific initiatives such as training for all staff.

PM&C also has a Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, which works closely with the Reconciliation Champion. Together, they increase staff engagement in reconciliation and Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives, and monitor and report on the progress of PM&C’s Reconciliation Action Plan commitments.

For more information about how we support individuals from specific groups, visit:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• People living with disability