SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE

THE HON PATRICK GORMAN MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE CALD EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY

The Albanese Government has released a public consultation paper to inform the finalisation of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Employment Strategy for the Australian Public Service (APS).

In the APS, representation of CALD Australians is proportionate to the broader Australian population but drops significantly at the middle and senior leadership ranks. CALD APS employees report higher levels of discrimination and racism.

As part of APS Reform, the Government has committed to creating an APS that is a model employer. An employer that sets the standard for equity, inclusion, and diversity. The APS CALD Employment Strategy will help achieve this outcome.

The Minister for the Public Service, Senator Katy Gallagher, said she wants an APS workforce which reflects the full diversity of the Australian community, at all levels.

“I want the APS to be a model employer, a workplace where people from all backgrounds are valued and can progress their careers.”

“That is why I tasked the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) with developing this Strategy, to focus on actions that can make the biggest difference for Australians from CALD backgrounds.”

The public consultation paper builds on several months of work, including an APS-wide survey, interviews and listening circles, literature reviews and extensive analysis of APS data.

The APSC heard from over 1,000 APS employees at all levels as well as from external subject matter experts.

The Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Patrick Gorman, said this is about listening, understanding, and taking action to foster a workplace that celebrates diversity, encourages continuous learning, and ensures safety and fairness.

“Our mission is to set the APS as an example of equity, inclusion, and diversity.”

“Your invaluable feedback on the proposed actions will sharpen our focus and enhance our ability to achieve the goals,” Assistant Minister Gorman said.

Anyone in the community can contribute their ideas and lived experiences to this crucial conversation.

Visit the APSC website and have your say by 15 December 2023.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 2023