Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Defence recognises that we live, work and train on the traditional lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For over a century, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have provided, and continue to provide, a vital and unique contribution to Defence capability, the defence of Australia and its national interests during times of peace and war.
Defence is strongly committed to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and reconciliation through its Defence Reconciliation Action Plan (D-RAP) 2019-2022.
Defence’s strategies to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander socio‑economic outcomes and to progress reconciliation include:
- Targeted employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians seeking to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Defence’s Australian Public Service (APS) workforce;
- Procurement policies to support Indigenous businesses;
- Genuine and respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
- Assistance to improve the infrastructure and health of remote communities through targeted ADF community assistance programs;
- Continually improving our organisational cultural awareness;
- Ensuring our personnel policies are culturally informed; and
- Informal support through Defence’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network.
Women
Defence has a broad range of recruitment programs, and pathways to increase the participation and support of women in both the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Defence Australian Public Service workforce, which includes the Defence Graduate Program, the ADF Gap Year Program, and many more.
Strategies focussed on leadership, targeted mentoring, education, training, networking and career development further enable women to achieve their career aspirations at Defence.
People with a Disability
Defence supports a range of programs and initiatives aligned to the APS Disability Employment Strategy 2020-25 to remove real or perceived barriers within the workplace, working across the enterprise and other government departments to reflect best practice in supporting its personnel.
Our recruitment focuses on an applicant’s ability, skills and experience. To support applicants, Defence is committed to making reasonable adjustments at time of recruitment and throughout an employee’s Defence career so that they can optimise their full potential.
People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
Defence understands that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds increase capability and deepen our cultural understanding. This helps to build effective relationships with our counterparts and allies.
Defence aims to provide an inclusive working environment that respects, values and utilises the contributions of people with different cultural backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
People that identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Intersex
Defence provides a work environment based on respect and trust regardless of sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.
Defence engages regularly with the Defence LGBTI Information Service (DEFGLIS) who proudly support Australian Defence Force (ADF) serving members, ex-service members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force and their families. Defence participates in roundtable discussions with other APS agencies through our membership of Pride in Diversity and as regular attendees at the APS Pride community of practice.