LGBTIQA+ Workplace Inclusion Action Plan 2024–28

The creation of our first LGBTIQA+ Workplace Inclusion Action Plan outlines our commitment to cultivating a workplace culture defined by inclusivity, respect, and safety for all employees, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Why this matters

LGBTIQA+ people face higher rates of exclusion, discrimination, and harassment across social environments, including in the workplace. LGBTIQA+ Victorians face increased levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination, with:

• 58% of LGBTIQA+ Victorians having faced unfair treatment based on sexual orientation.
• 78% of trans and gender diverse Victorians having faced unfair treatment based on their gender identity.
• 33% of LGBTIQA+ Victorians from multicultural backgrounds having faced unfair treatment based on their ethnicity, cultural identity, or heritage.
• By championing and celebrating LGBTIQA+ inclusion, we aim to improve workplace well-being and better serve the needs of all Victorians.

Building upon our progress, our LGBTIQA+ Workplace Inclusion Action Plan is a key milestone in our journey to improve LGBTIQA+ employee outcomes, supporting our goal to become a model of how Victorian workplaces can and should support the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.

Our vision

Our vision for LGBTIQA+ inclusion serves as the roadmap for everyone in our department. We strive to be Victoria’s exemplar LGBTIQA+ inclusive employer, where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We will achieve this by:

• Ending homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and LGBTIQA+ inequality in our workplace.
• Promoting LGBTIQA+ inclusion and celebrating LGBTIQA+ culture.
• Growing, attracting, and retaining our LGBTIQA+ workforce and leadership.
• Becoming the best LGBTIQA+ employer in the state.

How we developed our plan

We held extensive consultations and co-design workshops across the department's workforce, alongside the department’s Pride Network, gaining expertise from LGBTIQA+ staff, leaders and key stakeholders. Our research and consultation approach recognised the progress we’ve made to date, while acknowledging areas that need improvement. Together we have created an ambitious plan grounded in evidence, research, and best practice.

Our focus areas

Each focus area of the plan identifies key outcomes to be achieved, the required actions to get us there and relevant indicators to track our progress. There are 4 key focus areas of the plan:

1. Leadership with Pride: Senior leaders and people managers will model LGBTIQA+ inclusion and embody it in their words, actions, and decisions.
2. LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Employment: Achieve LGBTIQA+ employment and leadership targets, to maintain and exceed the Victorian Public Service (VPS) and government sector benchmarks.
3. LGBTIQA+ Inclusive and Safe Workplaces: Build inclusive and safe workplaces where diversity and inclusion flourish, proactively preventing and responding to instances of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia.
4. Equitable LGBTIQA+ Employee Outcomes: Ensure LGBTIQA+ cultural diversity and intersectionality are understood, measured, and celebrated. Better capturing LGBTIQA+ employee data and improving monitoring and reporting on LGBTIQA+ employee outcomes.

Monitoring and reporting our progress

Tracking our journey towards a more inclusive workplace is crucial. We are committed to regularly monitor and report yearly updates on how we are putting our plan into actions across all focus areas. An internal interactive LGBTIQA+ inclusion dashboard will be created to provide real-time updates on our progress. This transparency will help us to stay accountable and adjust our actions as needed to effectively meet our goals.

Our Pride Network

Central to our efforts is the invaluable contribution of the department’s Pride Network, whose advocacy and support have been critical in shaping this action plan. Together, we strive to create a workplace where every individual feels a sense of belonging.

Hear more about what LGBTIQA+ inclusion means to our Pride Network colleagues and our LGBTIQA+ Executive Champions.

Download the plan