2022 Winners’ Statements

We are incredibly proud to be recognised as Employer of the Year at the 2022 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards for the second year running and our 3rd as Gold. The recognition of being Platinum shows the ongoing commitment we have made to LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

At Capgemini, we believe that our commitment to building a truly diverse and inclusive culture is one of the things that underpins our success and our future. We have made great progress through OUTfront, our local and global network of LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to ensure connectedness, promote awareness and understanding and develop an active allyship and advocacy network with all our stakeholders. We continue to build on this success as a baseline to ensure all areas of diversity within our business are included.

We continue to progress on all our initiatives that promote an inclusive environment where our people can excel and bring their true, authentic selves to work.

Kaylene O’Brien
Managing Director

Last year we set ourselves the goal of achieving a Gold in our AWEI submission.

I am immensely proud and delighted that not only did we make Gold for our category of Small Employers – we were able to lead the entire category! To be recognised in this way is a huge achievement and a testament to the hard work and inclusive practices of the Pride@BCG network, our DE&I teams, and of course the endless support of our allies.

In particular, AWEI recognised the significant strides we made in reducing roadblocks for LGBTQIA+ candidates seeking to apply for what was often their first full-time job. While this is all great news, we know that this is a journey and we still have work to do to reduce specific recruitment roadblocks faced by transgender and gender diverse individuals.

I would like to make a special mention of our network leader Alan Wong, who has been driving our Pride@BCG network in Australia and New Zealand since 2018. Under Alan’s leadership the network has grown to ~5x the number of identifying members and has continued in its mission to ensure that BCG remains a place where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Since 2017, we are proud to be have been recognised as an AWEI platinum employer. This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the passion and dedication of our people, particularly within our Pride network, to ensure everyone feels comfortable bringing their full and authentic selves to work every day.

Our unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality at Accenture is core to who we are. Ensuring an inclusive environment for our people, clients and communities forms a key part of our belief that equality drives innovation.

I am inspired by the progress that has been made to support our employees in the pride space and look forward to further accelerating our inclusion and diversity initiatives.

Peter Burns
CEO, Australia and New Zealand

We are incredibly proud to be recognised as Employer of the Year at the 2022 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards for the second year running and our 3rd as Gold. The recognition of being Platinum shows the ongoing commitment we have made to LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

At Capgemini, we believe that our commitment to building a truly diverse and inclusive culture is one of the things that underpins our success and our future. We have made great progress through OUTfront, our local and global network of LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to ensure connectedness, promote awareness and understanding and develop an active allyship and advocacy network with all our stakeholders. We continue to build on this success as a baseline to ensure all areas of diversity within our business are included.

We continue to progress on all our initiatives that promote an inclusive environment where our people can excel and bring their true, authentic selves to work.

Kaylene O’Brien
Managing Director

At Clayton Utz, our people are drawn from various backgrounds and communities, in an environment where collectively we commit to creating a platform for everyone to be able to bring their whole, best selves to work.

We are proud to launch our Platinum Project, an online toolkit supporting LGBTIQ employees to feel more included in the workplace, especially when working remotely.  In the last two years we’ve seen organisations, including our own, accelerating efforts to embed flexible working and we don’t expect remote working – particularly on a hybrid basis – to decline.  The increase in remote working has created different challenges for different cohorts, but recent research has shown some challenges are particular to those in the LGBTIQ community.  Taking that research, our Platinum Project focuses particularly on mental health and wellbeing.

I acknowledge and thank the many people who contributed their goodwill, time, research and stories to help us develop our toolkit.  We hope our LGBTIQ community (and others) will find it to be a valuable source of support in addition to our existing programs and initiatives.

Bruce Cooper
Chief Executive Partner   

I am very proud and excited that Deloitte has been awarded Gold Employer Status for LGBTI+ inclusion by AWEI for the fourth year. This great recognition reflects our consistent effort and actions to foster an inclusive workplace culture built on a foundation of respect and appreciation for diversity in all its forms.

Our wonderfully diverse team is deeply committed to challenging ourselves around how we can continue to create a genuinely welcoming and inclusive culture where everyone can bring their true and whole selves to work every day.

Thank you and congratulations to the key Deloitte teams involved for their sustained focus and commitment to this important agenda.

Adam Powick
Chief Executive Officer

Deutsche Bank is delighted to be recognised as a Gold Employer for the third time in this year’s Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI).

Gold Employer recognition highlights the material work and progress undertaken by the bank during the assessment period. This is particularly pleasing, given the significant disruption caused by the pandemic.

Each year, the AWEI index gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved, while also considering how we are going to take our efforts in support of the LGBTQ community to the next level. I am incredibly proud that we have once again obtained Gold status, placing us in the top 10 per cent of employers nationally and recognising the outstanding work of our local dbPride team.

dbPride is Deutsche Bank’s global LGBTQ employee network and offers a supportive network for the LGBTQ community and allies within the bank. Its mission is to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees can bring their whole self to work.

In Australia, dbPride regularly runs LGBTQ education and awareness sessions and ally training sessions, as well as a range of events for members and employees. The bank is active in the LGBTQ community, supporting international awareness days and fundraising. Our dbPride Committee and its network do a fantastic job in driving the diversity and inclusion agenda. It is important to recognise and celebrate our efforts but we know that the work does not stop here. There is much more we can do to achieve a supportive, fair and inclusive workplace and we look forward to building upon our progress in this area.  Our sincere thanks to the ACON/Pride in Diversity team for helping us make Deutsche Bank a better place to work for all of our local employees.

Glenn Morgan
CEO and dbPride Executive Sponsor

I’m incredibly proud to see EY Australia maintain AWEI Platinum status. Everyone should feel able to bring their true self to work and feel safe and supported to thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. When everyone feels safe to fully be themselves, we all benefit from greater diversity of thought, innovation and engagement.

Achieving Platinum status has taken many years of deliberate and sustained effort and I am proud of the recognition EY has received for this work. More importantly though, I am proud of the impact this work has had on EY people and the wider LGBTQ community. I would like to personally thank the EY Unity network for their significant contribution to the organisation’s culture through their vision, leadership and determination to improve the LGBTQ experience.

Successful leaders of the future need to be transformative and inclusive. Leaders who can bring out the best in themselves and others by embracing the power of belonging. A better working world is one where LGBTQ people belong.

David Larocca
EY Oceania CEO and Regional Managing Partner

On behalf of all our colleagues at NAB, we’re extremely proud to achieve Gold Employer status for the fourth consecutive year.

This recognition is testament to the dedication and passion of all colleagues, including our NAB Pride team, in creating a safe and inclusive workplace that enables us all to be at our best.

It’s great to see the positive difference our organisation is making to the lives of so many, especially our colleagues and customers, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the community.

Ross McEwan
CEO

I am immensely proud that PwC Australia has been reconfirmed as a Platinum member by AWEI as it’s an important measure of our commitment to LGBTIQ+ inclusion. We are committed to building an environment where all our people feel they belong because workplace cultures that build a sense of belonging are crucial for people to thrive and grow.

LGBTIQ+ inclusion is at the forefront of what we do – we want to ensure our LGBTIQ+ people are seen, heard and valued. That’s why this year for our Platinum Project we partnered with SuperFriend to complete research into the wellbeing of our LGBTIQ+ community at PwC. This research measured workplace mental health and wellbeing through the Thriving Workplace Index, and delivered important LGBTIQ+ perspectives on psychological safety and wellbeing at work. We are now addressing some of the research findings through initiatives across the firm.

This award celebrates the efforts of all our people, and particularly those in our Shine employee network, in nurturing a culture where our LGBTIQ+ people feel they belong.

Tom Seymour
Chief Executive Officer

For QBE, being recognised as a Gold Employer for a fourth consecutive year, and Platinum for the first time, is an incredible achievement, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of an organisation so dedicated to LGBTIQ+ inclusion. I would like to thank our QBE Pride Committee and our Diversity and Inclusion team, who have consistently dedicated significant time and effort to deliver on QBE’s promise of an inclusive workplace. I’d also like to acknowledge all of our QBE employees who strive to champion inclusivity across all areas of our business.

At QBE, we recognise that an inclusive workplace is essential to driving positive outcomes for our customers, people and partners. This award is a testament to our teams’ efforts in increasing and supporting the diversity and inclusion of our people, and ensuring our people feel comfortable enough to bring their whole selves to work. It’s also important to acknowledge the great work our fellow Award winners are doing to further inclusivity in their respective industries. Driving inclusion and creating safe workplaces is all of our responsibilities, and it’s only through collaboration and knowledge-sharing that we can make impactful changes and create workplaces where everyone feels welcomed to be their authentic selves.

There is much more to come in our inclusion journey, and I’m excited to see what else we can accomplish as we work alongside the LGBTIQ+ community and our corporate colleagues to continue moving the dial.

Sue Houghton
CEO

Platinum Employer recognition acknowledges the highest levels of performance in the Australian Workplace Equality Index over a sustained period. I’m incredibly proud that RMIT is recognised as being part of forming Australia’s first professional network for researchers who identify as LGBTIQ+ or who research in the fields of gender diversity and sexuality.

At RMIT we uphold every person’s right to feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves, and recognise the value that diversity adds to our university community.

Our Diversity Genders Sexes and Sexualities (DGSS) Staff Network, Student Queer Department, RMIT Ally Network and working groups, are made up of hundreds of individuals who serve as visible and active advocates for our value of inclusion.

Professor Alec Cameron
Vice-Chancellor and President, RMIT University

The ABC is a proud to be recognised as one of Australia’s top LGBTQ Inclusion employers for a second year running, with a Gold Employer status.

This year we are also extremely proud to have our Managing Director, David Anderson awarded the CEO of the Year, plus Best External Media Campaign, also for a second year running, for ABC podcast series, Innies and Outies. The series tells the LGBTQIA+ stories of those choosing to either come out or stay in, presented by ABCQueer’s Mon Schafter.

The ABC also recognises the hard work and effort of our employee network group, ABC Pride, that is dedicated to creating a working environment that supports and embraces our differences.

The ABC has a rich history of LGBTQIA+ storytelling. The ABC’s documentary program Chequerboard featured the first gay kiss on Australian television in 1972 and in 1994 the ABC was the first TV network to broadcast the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras returned to the ABC this year and next year the ABC has the broadcast rights for Sydney WorldPride, which will be held in February and March 2023.

David Anderson
CEO

An inclusive workplace culture allows us to perform better, attract and retain the workforce we need, and deliver services that support our strategic goal of every student succeeding. Proud at Work is an important focus area in the department’s inclusion and diversity framework – We all belong.

While we have made significant progress in inclusion for LGBTQ+ staff, we know we have more to do. Through evaluation of the implementation of the Proud at Work Workforce
Strategy 2018–2020, receiving feedback from our staff, and benchmarking our progress in the Australian Workplace Equity Index- where we have achieved Gold employer for three consecutive years- we have identified areas of opportunity where we can continue to strengthen inclusive practice.

These opportunities include: a focus on providing information to schools and regional offices, capability development for people at all levels of the department, a continued focus
on policy and procedure updates, and a focus on providing opportunity for active allies to lead where they are.

Our second Proud at Work Workforce Strategy, sets out the next phase as we continue to transform workplaces and enable all staff to achieve to their full potential. We see diversity as our strength in creating work environments that are welcoming, safe and inclusive of LGBTQ+ staff and allies.

Michael De’Ath
Director-General, Department of Education Queensland

Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable, by building trust in society through innovation. To achieve our purpose, we need diverse teams where people feel included and empowered to be completely themselves. This is why we work hard to create a workplace culture that is inclusive of LGBTI+ people.

After Fujitsu achieved Bronze in it first year of submitting to the AWEI, we jumped to Gold in our second, which is a remarkable achievement! This would not have been possible without the dedication of our internal Pride Advisory Group members and Office of Purpose team. The Gold level recognition is testament to their passion hard work, especially by our Pride members who do this important work on top of their Fujitsu roles. Congratulations to the team and I look forward to seeing more amazing results in the coming years!

Graeme Beardsell
CEO, Fujitsu Asia Pacific

Gold Employer recognition from Pride In Diversity – our seventh since the awards founding – is a testament to the ongoing work our teams are driving to positively impact the communities we operate within across Australia.

I am proud of our inclusive culture and the programs we have established to provide wider access to critical skills and training and create an open and welcoming environment globally, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. IBM aspires to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. Through our diversity, equity, and inclusion journey, our goal is to provide a culture of belonging for all IBMers.

What brings the LGBTQ+ community together is less a shared identity and more a shared struggle for acceptance and equality, with each segment of the community experiencing the struggle differently. As a result, our LGBTQ+ efforts work to foster a culture of conscious inclusion and active allyship where every IBMer can make a positive impact on society while bringing their full and authentic selves to work.

We are deeply humbled and proud at what we have achieved, however we recognise that there is a lot more to do. We look forward to whole heartedly supporting the excellent efforts and initiatives run by the Pride in Inclusion team.

Nicholas Flood
Vice-President Technology & Managing Director

We’re incredibly proud to have achieved Gold Employer status at this year’s LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards. At MinterEllison we know that people perform at their best when they feel safe to bring their whole self to work. We’re committed to diversity and inclusion because we also know diversity of thinking, skills, experience, gender identity, backgrounds, and orientations delivers excellent results for our clients and MinterEllison.

Our PRIME network forms an integral part of our firm’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, and it is thanks to the passion and hard work of our committee members that we have once again been recognised at this level. Our committee members volunteer their time above and beyond their regular roles and are really seen as the beating heart of diversity and inclusion for our firm.

We believe that as one of Australia’s largest law firms we have a duty to use the knowledge and resources available to us to support and help create lasting impacts for the wider LGBTQ+ community to thrive. We aim to achieve this by being visible advocates and providing ongoing pro bono and community investment support as well as working with many of our clients’ LGBTQ groups. We’re proud to have been the pro bono legal partners for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras for more than 25 years and are excited to be marching in the 2023 parade for the fourth year in a row. In May, Sonja Read, a Partner in our Brisbane office and her team created a new legal position to pave the way for easier medical intervention for children and teenagers with gender dysphoria in Queensland.

Virginia Briggs
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner

I’m thrilled that Origin has been recognised with a Gold Employer Status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) annual awards. This is a tremendous achievement and testament to the value we place on creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace at Origin.

We’ve come a long way over the last few years, making meaningful changes to help champion our LGBTQ communities and ensure we have the systems and processes in place to truly support diverse genders, sexes, and sexualities. During the past year, we have focused on awareness building, learning and inclusivity of LGBTQ experiences for our employees. We have offered digital learning sessions, introduced gender affirming leave, recognised days of significance such as Wear it Purple Day and IDAHOBIT, commenced the roll out of all gender bathrooms, partnered with Black Rainbow as part of our Origin Legal Pro Bono Program, and participated in Pride marches.

This award also demonstrates the hard work and determination of our LGBTQ employee committee, Pride@Origin that leads with experience and passion, as well as the support and collaboration of many others across Origin.

I’m proud of our work in the LGBTQ space and our continued commitment to building a culture of inclusion, respect and understanding – it’s fundamental to who we are at Origin and our journey to creating workplaces where our people can bring their whole self to work every day.

Frank Calabria
Chief Executive Officer

We’re so proud that Salesforce has been named a GOLD Employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index Award by Pride in Diversity, the national benchmark on LGBTQ workplace inclusion.

This has been a goal for Salesforce and our employee resource group Outforce ANZ and we have made consistent progress over the past three years having previously achieved Bronze and Silver.

Thank you to all of our employees for all they do to live our value of Equality by creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and able to bring their authentic selves to work.

There is still a lot of work to do and the Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards are an invaluable feedback tool for us so we know that we are on the right track.

Pip Marlow
EVP & CEO Salesforce ANZ and ASEAN

Achieving Gold Employer recognition for LGBTI+ inclusion for a second year is a proud moment for Services Australia.

It’s important to us that everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age or ability feels valued, empowered and included at work. Inclusion enhances the creativity and innovation of our teams, and ultimately delivers better services for Australians.

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and our ongoing work in inclusion and diversity improves the experience of our staff and customers.

This result was achieved through the collaboration and creative involvement of many individuals, teams and business areas. Everyone’s efforts are very much appreciated.
Inclusion is not a ‘set and forget’ once a year effort. It is a day in, day out approach to our work. Therefore, participating in the AWEI each year guides our focus year to year. I look forward to seeing this work evolve with the guidance of our new Senior LGBTI+ Ally, Nicky Bell.

Rebecca Skinner PSM
Chief Executive Officer

At SBS, inclusion underpins our organisational purpose to inspire all Australians to explore, respect and celebrate our diverse world, and in doing so, contribute to a cohesive society. ‘We Embrace Difference’ is a key company value focused on creating a world-class inclusive environment where all our employees feel a genuine sense of belonging, value and safety.

We know that for many LGBTIQ+ people, it is not always easy or straightforward to live and work authentically as yourself, which is something so many others take for granted.

Consequently, SBS has proudly undertaken systemic policy reviews to ensure that our practices and processes deliver equitable and inclusive outcomes for all team members, no matter how you identify or who you love.

Our Employee Advisory Group SBS Pride & Allies regularly provide intersectional perspectives on our initiatives and policies, as well as identify opportunities to further deliver on our purpose.

SBS’s Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Strategy (2022-2024), outlines our vision to be one of Australia’s most diverse and inclusive employers. This three-year strategy brings together our strong internal cultural focus together with our external dedication to diverse content and content makers. Across all our channels, SBS has a long-standing commitment to showcasing ground-breaking LGBTIQ+ content.

I’m so proud that SBS has been formally recognised as an employer of choice for LGBTQI+ employees, achieving Gold status for the third year running in the Pride in Diversity Annual Workplace Equality Index.

James Taylor
SBS Managing Director

The Star Entertainment Group is extremely proud to be awarded gold status employer for 2022. The recognition is a testament to our Proud@TheStar employee network, a passionate group of volunteers who continually strive towards building a workplace that is welcoming, safe and most importantly inclusive for all team members.

Since strting this journey in 2016, Proud@TheStar and the diversity and inclusion team have reached significant milestones. These include ensuring all our policies are inclusive of LGBTQ+ team members, providing gender-neutral bathrooms, promoting visible allies for team members to feel safe, delivering LGBTQ+ awareness and ‘How to be an ally’ training to many team members or contributing to the progression of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace via our platinum sponsorships of the 2020 and 2021 Pride in Practice Conference.

We are humbled to be the first and only organisation recognised as a gold employer in the hospitality industry and hope to inspire others to build on their commitment towards LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Geoff Hogg
Acting Chief Executive Officer

At the University of Queensland (UQ), we’re incredibly proud that our approach to creating an inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ staff, students, friends and allies in our community has been recognised with a Gold Employer Award in the 2022 AWEI Awards.

This award provides deserved recognition for UQ’s Workplace Diversity & Inclusion team, the Ally Action Committee, the Ally Network (now representing over 10% of our staff), and everyone else across the University who has contributed to making UQ a truly inclusive place for the LGBTQIA+ community.

To me, it’s really important that we have a supportive culture in which everyone, regardless of their sexuality or their gender identity, feels free to express themselves – fully and authentically. This Award provides validation that we’re on the right track. I’m so proud of that.

Professor Deborah Terry AO
Vice-Chancellor and President

We are deeply proud to be counted among the 2022 AWEI Gold Employers for LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion for the second year in a row.

Consecutive Gold accreditation from the AWEI is no mean feat, and reflects the work and advocacy of many. We particularly thank and commend our University Pride Network Co-Chairs and Steering Committee, whose tireless dedication and meaningful action to support LGBTIQ+ inclusion is largely over and above their demanding day jobs.

This important work spans a range of inclusion initiatives and activities including a supportive and engaged Pride Network, participation in community and University events, education around best practice in a range of relevant contexts, and provision of clear and accessible support and resources for our LGBTIQ+ staff and students, and allies.

As expectations and benchmarks for an inclusive workplace continue to rise, we reaffirm our commitment to continually strive to increase visibility and inclusion of our LGBTIQ+ community, and to ensure all members of our community feel supported and free to contribute fully, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.

Professor Annamarie Jagose, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor   
Professor Mark Scott, Vice Chancellor and Principal

UNSW Sydney is proud to have achieved Gold Employer status for the third consecutive year in the 2022 Australian Workplace Equality Index.

We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone in our community, and are delighted to see this commitment reflected in this year’s AWEI Awards.

Key contributors to this year’s success have been the establishment of the ally@UNSW Steering Committee and the ally@UNSW Action Plan for 2022. This plan includes educational events, engagement surveys, enterprise agreement advocacy, policy consultation and the ally@UNSW newsletter. These important measures work to elevate awareness and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people and foster a culture of acceptance of diversity in all its forms.

These are genuine, tangible actions to create a UNSW community that celebrates, nurtures and values our LGBTIQ+ students, staff, allies and visitors.

We hold our Gold Employer status with pride, and we do not take it for granted. I acknowledge the work of so many in our community to nourish a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and socially-just community. Long may this culture thrive at UNSW.

Professor Attila Brungs
President and Vice-Chancellor

Last year we set ourselves the goal of achieving a Gold in our AWEI submission.

I am immensely proud and delighted that not only did we make Gold for our category of Small Employers – we were able to lead the entire category! To be recognised in this way is a huge achievement and a testament to the hard work and inclusive practices of the Pride@BCG network, our DE&I teams, and of course the endless support of our allies.

In particular, AWEI recognised the significant strides we made in reducing roadblocks for LGBTQIA+ candidates seeking to apply for what was often their first full-time job. While this is all great news, we know that this is a journey and we still have work to do to reduce specific recruitment roadblocks faced by transgender and gender diverse individuals.

I would like to make a special mention of our network leader Alan Wong, who has been driving our Pride@BCG network in Australia and New Zealand since 2018. Under Alan’s leadership the network has grown to ~5x the number of identifying members and has continued in its mission to ensure that BCG remains a place where everyone can be their authentic selves.

I am very proud of Colin Biggers & Paisley for being recognised as a Gold employer for the second year in a row.

Colin Biggers & Paisley has an inclusive culture that fosters a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, valued and can bring their whole selves to work every day. Above all, we believe in acceptance, equity, human rights, and the power of our community.

This achievement would not have been possible without the authentic passion, drive and determination of our employee-led Pride@CBP network, our allies and everyone in our community who make Colin Biggers & Paisley an inclusive workplace today and into the future.

Nick Crennan
Managing Partner

I’m delighted that GPT has achieved Gold Tier status in the 2022 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI). This recognition demonstrates our absolute commitment to GPT being an inclusive, welcoming and safe place to work for all.

Building a culture of LGBTQ+ inclusion across our workforce and within our communities is very important at GPT. One quarter of our workforce are actively engaged as allies with GLAD, our LGBTQ+ awareness and diversity network, and together, this network leads programs and initiatives that ensure inclusion is at the heart of what we do, every day.

We take care to ensure that our assets are safe and welcoming places for the full diversity of the communities they service, through active education of our public facing staff and contractors, participation in the ‘Welcome Here’ program and events and activations celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion throughout the year. We’ve delivered all gender bathrooms at some GPT assets and are leading work with our property industry peers, through InterBuild, to create consistent guidance on signage, layouts and options for restrooms that cater to anyone needing more time, space or privacy.

I’m proud of our GLAD network, our People team and all those involved in achieving this outcome for GPT, and the work we’ve done so far. We know there is more to do to truly achieve LGBTQ+ inclusion in Australia and we’re looking forward to being a part of it.

Bob Johnston
CEO & Managing Director

We are immensely proud to be recognised as a Gold Employer at the 2022 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards, after being awarded bronze for two consecutive years.

At Russell Kennedy, we are dedicated to creating an environment for our people that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where people’s talents are fostered, empowering them to contribute to the success of the firm.

As a firm, we are also committed to making a difference in the community and the sectors we work in, and our commitment to diversity and inclusion is no exception to this.  With the full support of the firm, our network for LGBTIQ staff, allies and supporters, Pride@RK, has worked hard in recent years to drive LGBTIQ Inclusion initiatives, raise awareness and work towards meaningful, positive change.

This Gold Employer status is a huge achievement for Russell Kennedy and a great recognition of our dedication to LGBTIQ inclusion.  Together with our Pride@RK network, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, LGBTQ Committee and all of our people, we look forward to continuing to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.

I am honoured that the ABC has been awarded Gold Employer status, recognising our organisation as one of Australia’s top LGBTQ inclusion employers for a second year running.

I am also incredibly honoured to have been named CEO of the Year 2022 and accept this award on behalf of all of my colleagues at the ABC.

I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to all ABC employees for the work they put in to make sure the ABC is an inclusive and diverse workplace.

In particular I would like to recognise the work of ABC Pride, our employee network group that is dedicated to creating a working environment that supports and embraces our differences.

ABC Pride are responsible for our Pride Network, which connects LGBTQIA+ and allied staff across the country, lead strategy to increase LGBTQIA+ diversity on and off screen at the ABC, provide support and advice to our employees, amongst many other things.

The ABC has a rich history of LGBTQIA+ storytelling. The ABC’s documentary program Chequerboard featured the first gay kiss on Australian television in 1972 and in 1994 the ABC was the first TV network to broadcast the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

The Mardi Gras returned to the ABC this year and we are looking forward to broadcasting Sydney WorldPride next year in Feburary and March.

David Anderson
CEO

I am truly honoured to be awarded the 2022 AWEI Executive Leadership Award for LGBTQ+ inclusion. In the three years I have held the Corporate Sponsorship, and more recently the role of LGBTIQA+ Ambassador on our Inclusion and Diversity Council, I have grown personally and professionally thanks to the passionate and talented people I have worked with and met along the way. It is absolutely a team effort and our achievements throughout this period would not have been possible without the employees and stakeholders I have worked with.

I am proud to say that the NSW Police Force now has a policy and support for officers affirming their gender, an active and growing employee network: Pride in Police, active membership of ACON’s Welcome Here project, a more accessible pathway to learning more about LGBTIQA+ issues through online learning, all leading to more engagement by officers from diverse parts of the organisation than ever before.
I want to acknowledge the power of the AWEI program in driving progress within organisations such as ours. Simple yet very effective tools such as the scorecards and debriefs provided by Relationship Managers are critical to our ongoing monitoring, developing action plans and implementing change. Thank you to all at Pride in Diversity for your efforts and commitment.

Gelina Talbot
Assistant Commissioner

The ABC is proud to the be the recipient of the External Media Campagin Award for the podcast Innies + Outies.

The podcast features uniquely Australian LGBTQIA+ stories about coming out or staying in. From people struggling for acceptance to embracing their true selves – each story is packed with life lessons for queer Australians and the people who love them. Topics explored include coming out in high school, queer comedians who turn their trauma into jokes, coming out in a regional area, and LGBTQIA+ folks who choose not to come out. We hear directly from the person in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the perspectives of parents, partners, friends, colleagues and even teammates – who’ve been on these journeys too.

The Innies + Outies podcast works hand in hand with the ABCQueer Instagram account to source interviewees, profiling talent featured in each episode, and inviting the audience to share their own experiences.

Innies + Outies also features across triple J, Radio National and multiple local radio stations, reaching audiences across Australia.

Congratulations to the team that brought Innies + Outies to life, creator and host Mon Schafter, producer Zoe Walker, supervising producer James O’Brien, sound engineer Jacob Round, and social media producer Jack Gow.

The ABC is also excited to confirm that another series of Innies + Outies will be coming soon!

David Anderson
CEO

It is an honour to receive the AWEI 2022 Network Leader of the Year Award.

If you asked me as a graduate years ago, I would have told you being an out gay man at work was a career breaker.

I am grateful to the out mentors that came before me that were willing to share their learnings and help me get to where I am today. After what has been a tough few years for our communities, it was important for me to continue that legacy of shared learning and build networks between like-minded organisations on similar journeys. It has been a privilege to lead and work with our amazing and passionate LGBTQ+ Employee Advocacy Group and Ally Network. I’m proud of the journey I have been able to go on in our organisation and industry.

Being an inclusive organisation is about living our core values, and also the reflecting and benefiting from the diversity of our local communities. At Stockland, we believe that advocacy in action that will improve the workdays of employees and help us attract the best tenants.

Over the last twelve months we have taken action to lift the profile of LGBTQ+ people in our industry and find ways to be more inclusive across our supply chains and with our stakeholders. I’m particularly proud of our progress in developing inclusive amenity and safe spaces for trans and gender diverse people.

Equality exists through thoughtful leadership, purposeful decision making and driving inclusion as an action. Belonging is the end result.

Benjamin Vella (He/Him)
Development Manager – LGBTQ+ Employee Advocacy Group Lead

Kim truly embodies our belief that people can flourish, and unleash their fullest potential, when they are free to be themselves, without restriction, and without fear.

Kim has been a visible presence for our trans, gender diverse and non-binary colleagues and has positively impacted the experiences of colleagues and customers at NAB.

We are so proud to have Kim as part of the NAB team and recipient of the 2022 Out Role Model Award.

Kim Lee
NAB Anaylst

I’m so honoured and thrilled to be awarded the Sally Webster Ally Award for 2022.

Honoured to lend my voice and use any influence I have on any platform I stand upon, to right what’s wrong. To convert knowledge into compassion.

Thrilled to know I’m doing what I can to leave this world a little kinder than I have found it.

I acknowledge my privilege. Nobody has ever had to vote whether it’s ok for me to marry someone I love, nor whether how I identify is ok or not, or worse labelled me as ‘diseased’ because of whom I fell in love with.

I get seen in the census. My identity is not discussed in parliament and demonised in 2022 where we have more pressing issues like a climate crisis, closing the gap of indigenous affairs, housing affordability and helping people with their mental wellness in a COVID era. This is my privilege.

I strongly believe that it is our moral obligation to use our privilege – mine is my cisgendered heterosexual privilege – to amplify the voices of those who are historically excluded. There will come a day we don’t hand a beautiful award to any one person for being an ally, for we will all evolve to be kinder.

People should be able to show up as they are, safely, beautifully, as themselves and no one should have a damned opinion on whom they can love or how they identify. I appreciate working at Capgemini so much because my humanity has grown through the multilevel of education I receive. It is not by chance that I happen to work in the organisation that has earned the place of Employer of the Year for two years in a row. Through the good work that is done, regular allies are inspired to do more, and be more for others. Whilst I have your attention, we need to do more and be more for another excluded group, so I leave you with #changethedate

Janani D’Silva
Head of Culture, Experience, and Early Careers

I am totally blown away and so appreciative to receive this award, and to share it with such a cool individual who I was thrilled to meet!

I am an Ace/Aro woman, and when I joined EnergyAustralia’s Prism network, neither I or anyone else in the network had met anyone like me. Ace people tend to be the invisible orientation, and I soon realised how important it was to be a visible role model for any other Ace people who might be out there.

I fully believe that awareness is the most important first step in any inclusion journey. I am passionate about ensuring as many stories get heard from as many different identities as possible, because once we see people and start to understand them, we can start making everyone feel welcome and included.

I encourage everyone to get involved as much as you can, be seen, find people like you and who are fabulously different, and find your happy place.

Jenny Ratsep
Engineering Systems Leader

I am honoured to be a recipient of the Sapphire Inspire Award this year. As an aromantic asexual woman with Chinese and Australian background, I am passionate about raising awareness and understanding of aromantic and asexual identities, and the experiences of Asian and other culturally diverse LGBTQIA+ people. Part of this work is creating safe spaces where people feel included for their whole selves, which lead me to get involved with Pride@KPMG and Asian Female Leaders. I have had the privilege of creating and leading KPMG’s Asian Female Leaders Rainbow group, providing a space for LGBTQIA+ Asian women to come together, share stories and build connections. I have also been involved in Pride@KPMG initiatives locally and globally, including growing the Pride for Women network, contributing to the Global Pride@KPMG newsletter, and assisting with celebrations for Wear It Purple Day and the Midsumma Pride March. I have also had the opportunity to speak on panels for KPMG (Australia and globally), CPA Australia, Aussie Ace Week and Pride in Diversity. A highlight was taking part in the inaugural KPMG ASPAC Pride Conference in 2021, and connecting with inclusion and diversity leaders across the region.

Sharing my full self – gender, cultural identity and sexuality – has been an incredible emotional experience, and I truly feel that I have been able to make change by being myself, being visible, and being open to others. The friends and allies I have met through the course of doing this important work have brought me so much joy, as well as the validation of being accepted for all that I am.

Thank you to Pride in Diversity, KPMG, Pride@KPMG (the Network of the Year!), and the Asian Female Leaders network for giving me the platform to share my story and increase awareness of all LGBTQIA+ identities. I look forward to continuing our work together to build accepting, inclusive workplaces and communities.

Alicea Stoney
Audit Learning Consultant and Asian Female Leaders Rainbow lead

At the NRMA Group, we take pride in being an organisation that supports people for who they are, no matter how they identify. We know this is helping to make a difference to the lives of our LGBTQI+ employees, as well as our Members and customers, and wider community. Our mission is to create a workplace environment that offers peace of mind for now and long into the future, so that all our people feel confident and comfortable enough to be their true selves.

Our recognition as a Bronze Employer and the Most Improved Employer for 2022 at the Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards is a huge honour and inspires us in our continued mission.

I am so incredibly proud of our people in the Shine Council and Shine community at The NRMA, our LGBTQI and Ally Group. They have volunteered their time and passionately delivered a program of change that helps us to be an inclusive workplace where everyone can belong and bring their whole self to work. Thank you to our partner Pride in Diversity for your wonderful assistance since we became a member in 2019.

Emma Harrington
CEO NRMA Motoring & Membership

Investa Property Group are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where all our people are empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day.

We are incredibly proud to have been named the Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards 2022 AWEI Most Improved Small Employer, in recognition of our ongoing commitment to LGBTQ inclusion at work.

Following our first submission to the AWEI Index in 2021 we dedicated time and effort to implementing the learnings and feedback that we received. At the forefront of these efforts has been ensuring we have greater visibility of LGBTQ+ employees in our workplace policies. We are proud of the supportive and inclusive workplace policies available to all of our people and are pleased that our changes ensure that our LGBTQ employees can clearly see themselves included in these.

We have also seen our Pride@Investa network begin to mature, alongside greater education opportunities for our people to help build a stronger awareness of the issues impacting the LGBTQ community and to encourage allyship at work.

We are grateful for the support we have received from Pride In Diversity particularly for the encouragement of our relationship manager, Brett. The ongoing support and education we have received from Pride In Diversity has been invaluable in helping us to make meaningful changes to make our workplace more inclusive for our LGBTQ staff, tenants and stakeholders.
As we continue our journey we look forward to continuing to learn from Pride in Diversity, other organisations who are leading the way, and, of course, our own people who contribute to our inclusive workplace each and every day.

Peter Menegazzo
Chief Executive Officer

We are incredibly proud to be recognised as Employer of the Year at the 2022 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards for the second year running and our 3rd as Gold. The recognition of being Platinum shows the ongoing commitment we have made to LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

At Capgemini, we believe that our commitment to building a truly diverse and inclusive culture is one of the things that underpins our success and our future. We have made great progress through OUTfront, our local and global network of LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to ensure connectedness, promote awareness and understanding and develop an active allyship and advocacy network with all our stakeholders. We continue to build on this success as a baseline to ensure all areas of diversity within our business are included.

We continue to progress on all our initiatives that promote an inclusive environment where our people can excel and bring their true, authentic selves to work.

Kaylene O’Brien
Managing Director