Defence is committed to diversity in the workplace and to creating an inclusive environment that enables all personnel to contribute to achieving Defence’s goals. The Department aims to provide an inclusive working environment that respects, values and utilises the contributions of people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day is celebrated around Australian on 21 March each year. It is the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and a day where all Australians celebrate cultural diversity and what makes each Australian unique.
The continuing message for Harmony Day is that Everyone Belongs, which means all Australians are a welcome part of our country, regardless of their background. It's a time to reflect on where Australia has come from, recognising the traditional custodians of this land. It's also about community participation, inclusiveness and respect – celebrating the different cultures that make Australia a great place to live.
The celebration of Harmony Day, which began in 1999 allows all Australians to reflect on our nation's success as a multicultural society and provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the promotion of understanding and good will between Australians of all backgrounds.
Over the years, Harmony Day has grown in popularity as Australians have made the day their own.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship sponsors Harmony Day by providing free promotional products when you register your event with them. For more information or to register your even visit the official Australian Government Harmony Day website at www.harmony.gov.au.
News/Events
Celebrating Harmony Day 2012
In celebration of Harmony Day 2012, Defence has incorporated the Australian Public Service Commission Diversity Census Day (bookmark). The initiative is a ‘call to action’ which aims to improve collection and reporting of diversity data. The objective of this initiative is to build a culture in which there is an appreciation and respect for diversity and people feel comfortable disclosing their diversity status.
All Defence people are encouraged to update their diversity data on PMKeyS Self Service which contains information about Ethnicity (this includes the category for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), Language and Disabilities. It is preferred that diversity data be updated before 21 March; however, this date simply serves as a timely reminder. To update your diversity data, log onto PMKeyS Self Service, and select My Personal Data, then Workplace Equity and Diversity Data. Once your Ethnicity, Language and Disability information is updated, ensure that you select ‘Save’ at the bottom of the page.
Diversity data is stored in PMKeyS and like other PMKeyS information; it is visible to corporate PMKeyS users. Your diversity data, however, is not visible via the Supervisor’s screen of PMKeyS Self Service.
Disclosure of your diversity data will allow Defence to:
- understand the nature of its workforce;
- provide more targeted training, advice and support;
- ensure the building and sustainability of a diverse workforce now and in the future; and
- provide greater focus on improving workplace culture and social inclusion.
Individual workplaces are encouraged to celebrate Harmony Day in their own way on Wednesday 21 March 2012. Examples of ways to celebrate might include: hosting a celebratory morning/afternoon tea where staff bring traditional food from other countries, encouraging everyone to wear something orange (the official colour of Harmony Day) or encouraging team members to share their own story of diversity. Free promotional products (when you register your event) can be obtained.
For more information or to register your even visit the official Australian Government Harmony Day website at www.harmony.gov.au.
Membership with Diversity Council Australia (DCA)
In March 2011, in support of its commitment to diversity in the workplace, Defence obtained membership with Diversity Council Australia (DCA), leading diversity advisor to business in Australia.
Diversity Council Australia is an internationally recognised non-profit, public company founded by subscriber members and consulting services.
In partnership with member organisations, DCA’s mission is to:
- develop leading diversity research, thinking and practice;
- enable diversity management in a dynamic environment;
- drive business improvement through successful diversity programs; and
- lead public debate.
DCA provides services and advice to member organisations covering all aspects of diversity in employment, reflecting changes in practice to embrace all areas of the diversity of human resources.
Defence has access to the latest up-to-date information on diversity issues and topics including age, bullying, disability, religion, women in the workplace.
In addition, DCA members are offered a range of free or discounted services that support and enhance their internal diversity, inclusion capabilities and external profile.
For more information, latest news and events on diversity visit Diversity Council Australia website:
www.dca.org.au/.
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