At Defence, workplace culture plays a key role in shaping the experiences of its people in their work and service. Defence fosters a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace where people feel supported to contribute and make a meaningful impact.
Culture and values
A diverse and inclusive workforce makes Defence stronger. People with different skills, backgrounds and perspectives help the organisation adapt, innovate and respond to new challenges.
Defence Values and Behaviours sets clear expectations for how its people work together and support a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
The Defence Culture Strategy guides how we build and strengthen workplace culture. It supports the vision of a culture that values its people and serves to defend Australia.
First Nations peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a long and proud history of service in Defence and continue to make significant contributions across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Australian Public Service (APS) workforce.
Defence is committed to providing a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can thrive.
Defence is strengthening recruitment, career development and leadership opportunities for First Nations peoples through the Defence First Nations Commitment. This includes employment pathways, professional development opportunities, mentoring, employee networks and culturally informed support programs that help First Nations employees build rewarding careers and achieve their full potential.
Learn more about Defence’s First Nations programs and opportunities.
Women
Defence is taking practical steps to increase opportunities for women across the organisation, including:
- Access to a wider range of career opportunities, with APS and Australian Defence Force (ADF) roles open to eligible and suitable candidates.
- Greater representation of women in key workforce areas, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) roles.
- Flexible ways of working to help employees balance work, caring responsibilities and other commitments.
- Career development opportunities, including mentoring, leadership programs and professional development.
Defence is committed to creating an environment where women can build rewarding careers, progress into leadership roles and achieve their full potential.
People with a disability
Defence welcomes applications from people living with disability and is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace.
Recruitment processes are designed to focus on an applicant's skills, experience and potential, while supporting equitable participation throughout the recruitment process.
Through accessible practices, inclusive workplace design and workplace adjustments where required, Defence supports employees with disability to achieve their career goals and make a meaningful contribution to the organisation.
Neurodivergent people
Neurodiversity is an important part of a diverse and capable workforce. Different ways of thinking can enhance innovation, improve decision-making and strengthen Defence's ability to solve complex problems.
Defence is committed to creating an environment where neurodivergent employees can contribute their strengths, build successful careers and feel a genuine sense of belonging. This includes accessible recruitment practices and tailored workplace support where required.
People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Cultural diversity is an important source of strength for Defence. Different experiences, perspectives, languages and cultural knowledge contribute to innovation, informed decision-making and a workforce that better reflects the Australian community.
Defence is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds feel valued, belong and can achieve their full potential.
Through the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Action Plan, Defence continues to strengthen inclusive recruitment, career development and workplace practices to support equal opportunity and success for all employees.
LGBTQIA+ people
Defence is committed to creating a workplace where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) people feel safe, respected, included and able to be themselves at work.
Defence recognise that diverse experiences, identities and perspectives strengthen our workforce and contribute to a more capable, innovative and effective organisation.
Defence is continuing to build a culture where LGBTQIA+ employees can thrive, develop successful careers and feel a genuine sense of belonging. This is supported through inclusive policies, employee networks, leadership commitment and initiatives that promote respect and inclusion across the organisation.
Defence is a proud member of Pride in Diversity, Australia’s first national employer support program for LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion, and works closely with the Defence LGBTIQA+ Information Service (DEFGLIS), which supports and represents current and former serving ADF members, their families, and Defence APS employees.
Generational diversity
Defence values the skills, perspectives and experiences that people of all ages bring to the workplace. A workforce that includes employees from different generations strengthens collaboration, innovation, knowledge sharing and organisational capability.
Defence recognise that employees at different career and life stages may have different priorities and aspirations. Defence supports employees throughout their careers through development opportunities, mentoring, flexible workplace practices and ongoing career growth.
Defence is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all ages feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their best.