Message from the CALD Champion

In 2024, I had the privilege of leading a project with APSC colleagues to develop the APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan. Through data and consultation, we heard clearly that many CALD employees face individual challenges and systemic barriers that limit their ability to contribute fully. As a senior CALD member of the APS, I’m also acutely aware that representation at senior levels remains well below what reflects either the broader community or the APS workforce.

Under the overarching APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan, the APSC is working with agencies to build inclusive, culturally safe, and respectful workplaces. We’re also focused on deepening understanding of CALD lived experience and improving representation at senior levels to better reflect the diversity of the Australian public we serve, and to improve the substantive quality of our work.

As a reportable agency ourselves under the overarching APS Plan, the APSC needs to reflect on our own practice, and set a direct example of how change can be achieved. Accordingly, we have developed this APSC Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Action Plan 2025‒2028  to set out the steps that we will take in our own agency to address inclusivity, understanding and representation of CALD staff.

This Plan is informed by APS-wide data, a dedicated survey, and extensive consultation with staff, including the CALD Staff Network, small group discussions, and direct feedback. We also undertook a CALD self-assessment to guide implementation. It reflects how we will take forward the five themes of the overarching APS CALD work program, as adapted and tailored to our own specific circumstances. It responds to the specific feedback provided by APSC staff, and sets specific objectives that relate to our own organisational context.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this work. Special thanks to CALD Staff Network Co-Chairs Mr Shyam Raghupathi and Ms Samantha Montenegro for ensuring lived experience shaped the Plan, to Ms Stella Jones and Ms Sandra O’Malley for their expert advice, and to Ms Stephanie Hiscutt, Ms Anne Mornement and the APSC People Team for their tireless support.

I look forward to working with you all to implement this Plan and build an organisation where diversity is valued, inclusion is real, and every employee feels they belong and can thrive.

Dr Subho Banerjee 
Deputy Commissioner, Head of APS Academy and Capability 
CALD Champion