As part of the Australian Public Service (APS) Reform Agenda, the Government wants to ensure the APS is a model employer. In particular, that it sets the standard for equity, inclusion and diversity. The APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Employment Strategy is an initiative designed to help achieve this outcome.
The APSC has heard from over 1,000 APS employees at all levels who have contributed to the Strategy.
To develop the Strategy the APSC has:
- conducted extensive analysis of APS data
- undertaken a literature review of relevant domestic and international articles
- consulted with CALD and non-CALD employees across the APS, seeking to understand the lived experience of CALD employees.
The research shows that there is a gap between the workplace experience of CALD employees and that of non-CALD employees.
Feedback suggests that systemic racism and discrimination creates barriers for CALD employees. It prevents them from bringing their whole selves to work and impedes their ability to progress their career in the APS. The APS needs to address these barriers that stop CALD employees from:
- feeling included
- achieving their full potential
- contributing their skills and talent to the work of the APS.
Next steps:
The APSC has developed a suite of actions for the CALD Employment Strategy and tested with various APS groups including representatives from CALD networks and senior leaders.
To finalise the Strategy, the APSC is undertaking a public consultation and gathering feedback on the proposed actions. Multicultural organisations, non-government organisations, state and territory government entities, as well as APS employees and other interested parties can take part in the consultation.
Submissions were open until 5.00pm (ADST) Friday 15 December 2023. The survey has now closed. Feedback will be used to refine the Strategy before it is finalised and released in 2024.
The APSC is grateful to everyone who has made a valuable contribution to this project.
For more information or to get in touch, please email CALDstrategy@apsc.gov.au.