The ACTPS is committed to creating a positive, respectful, supportive and fair work environment where employee differences are respected, valued and utilised to create a productive and collaborative workplace. The RED Framework, launched in 2010, supports the ACTPS in achieving this commitment. During the 2018-19 reporting year, all eight directorates provided RED specific training to employees, with approximately 1,470 staff undertaking training during the reporting year.
The 2019 Agency Survey asked directorates to provide comment on the different activities they used during the 2018-19 reporting year to continue to reinforce the RED message.
| Number of Directorates |
|---|---|
Executive support of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC Week) activities | 8 |
Workplace celebrations of Harmony Day | 7 |
International Women’s Day events | 7 |
Disability training | 6 |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training | 8 |
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) awareness training | 5 |
All respondents: 2018-18 = 8
In addition to the activities mentioned in Table 15, directorates reported undertaking other initiatives to promote the RED message. These initiatives included:
- establishment of a LGBTIQ, Disability Employee and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Networks in a number of directorates;
- participation in Ngunnawal language presentations;
- cultural safety masterclasses;
- establishment of a Diversity Council to oversee issues relating to workforce diversity;
- provision of Domestic and Family Violence Awareness training; and
- statements of commitment to LGBTIQ employees.
Number of Directorates | |
|---|---|
RED Overview sessions (separate from formal RED training) | 4 |
Regular discussions regarding RED issues | 6 |
A RED network that meets quarterly or more frequently | 5 |
Other | 6 |
All respondents: 2018-18 = 8
All directorates reported using a range of communication methods to provide details of their RED Contact Officers, including:
- posters and promotion of access to RED Contact Officer details in common areas and on noticeboards;
- information provided in directorate induction sessions and through RED Training;
- access to the Whole of Government RED Contact Officer list on the ACT Government Directory; and
- self-promotion of RED Contact Officers, such as the display of posters at the location of their workstation.
Snapshot: NAIDOC Awards: ACT Health Directorate
ACT Health’s annual NAIDOC awards were celebrated on 12 July 2018 with the focus of the event being the 2018 theme “Because of Her, We Can!”
The awards started with a very special Welcome to Country from Aunty Agnes, Ngunnawal Elder and prominent Canberra figure. Aunty Agnes set the scene for an inspiring occasion with local community members and staff from across ACT Health.
Author and poet Samantha Faulkner was the guest speaker and she shared stories of the strong and inspirational women in her life that have shaped and encouraged her.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA and Director-General Michael De’Ath were on hand to congratulate and present award recipients with their awards.
The awards also featured a video showcasing ACT Health’s Jo Lesiputty, Acting Manager of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practice Centre. Jo’s achievements both at work and on the sporting field are inspirational.
To ensure that the ACTPS provide the right supports to meet the needs of its workforce, staff are encouraged to update their diversity status in the HR21 Employee Self Service System. The 2019 Agency Survey asked if directorates had conducted an ‘Update your Details’ process during the 2018-19 reporting year. Six directorates reported that they had conducted an ‘Update your Details’ process.
Directorates were asked to report on the initiatives implemented during 2018-19 to support employees and potential employees from diversity groups, in particular people from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and People with Disability. Common initiatives utilised by directorates included:
- participation in the ACTPS Work Experience and Support Program;
- delivery of a pilot Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Pathway Program;
- establishment of an Indigenous Peer to Peer Network;
- establishment of a Veterans’ support network;
- presentations calling for the reduction of men’s violence against women on White Ribbon Day;
- establishment of a Women’s network; and
- participation in the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy with the South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE and Fire and Rescue NSW. Graduates of this program joined ACT Fire and Rescue and completed the recruit training program.
For more information on initiatives and activities to support employees from diversity groups see Chapter 5, A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce.