Diversity and inclusion

Why diversity and inclusion are important to us

We value the diversity of our employees and recognise the importance of reflecting the communities we serve. A workforce that mirrors the diversity of the Australian public strengthens our ability to develop inclusive policies and deliver high-quality health and wellbeing outcomes - now and for future generations.

By embracing a wide range of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, we:

foster innovation and creativity
develop more responsive and effective health programs
better understand and meet the needs of all Australians
attract and retain talented individuals from across the community.

This diversity allows us to make a real difference to Australians' health and wellbeing.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

We are committed to being inclusive, culturally aware, and responsive to the needs of individuals in our policies and practices. We develop and implement initiatives to broaden diversity and inclusion in our workplace. This helps us support a wide range of diversity dimensions including:

gender
disability and carers
LGBTQIA+
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
neurodiversity
cultural diversity.

Our diversity and inclusion strategies

Our diversity and inclusion strategies support an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Inclusion Framework 2025–30

Our inclusion framework demonstrates our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve. By embracing diverse identities and perspectives, we enrich our organisation and create a culturally safe, accessible, inclusive and respectful workplace.

Reconciliation Action Plan

The Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2025–2028 outlines the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s commitments to reconciliation through actions focused on relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance, aiming to embed cultural safety and equity across its work.

Giving a voice to diversity

We give staff a voice and encourage action on diversity issues. Members of our senior executive support this work as diversity champions, providing leadership that fosters a positive and inclusive workplace.

We have staff diversity networks across a range of diversity dimensions, supported by executive champions, including:

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse network
Disability and Carers network
Gender Equality network
Health Pride network
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff network, including a Friends of the network for non-Indigenous staff
Neurodiversity network

We encourage all staff to join a network.

Who we work with

We are members of:

the Australian Breastfeeding Association – we are a best-practice accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace. We provide a workplace that supports a family friendly environment which enables employees to balance breastfeeding and work responsibilities.
the Australian Disability Network – a national organisation that helps employers to welcome people with disability in all aspects of business.
the Diversity Council of Australia – an independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
IPAA – an independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Pride in Diversity and Pride in Health + Wellbeing – an employer support program for all aspects of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. We have achieved Gold Employer status through the Australian Workplace Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
Reconciliation Australia – a support organisation that promotes and facilitates respect, trust and positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community.