Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has been recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2024-25 by Diversity Council Australia (DCA), making it one of approximately only 60 organisations across the country to be recognised for a high level of workplace inclusion.
DCA announced the list of Australia’s Inclusive Employers for 2024-25 as part of its annual Inclusion at Work Week to celebrate diversity and inclusion (DI) in workplaces across the nation.
DHA has proudly maintained the recognition, which it first received in 2022-23. DCA’s Inclusive Employer status is the only formal recognition in Australia that assesses workplace inclusion through a voluntary employee survey and benchmarks organisation’s efforts against detailed metrics. The acknowledgment measures how well organisations promote an inclusive climate, strong leadership, and team inclusivity.
DHA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace is based on its national workforce, which supports Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families across Australia.
Since the last DCA survey, DHA has implemented several initiatives in collaboration with its Disability Affinity Group and the Australian Disability Network (ADN). Initiatives include a review of office layout and facilities for accessibility; implementation of RecruitAbility, an Australian Public Service recruitment measure; improved access to personal leave including to manage chronic conditions; and an executive leadership masterclass facilitated by a person with lived experience.
DHA’s Inclusive Employer status for 2024-25 follows an anonymous and close-ended index survey seeking insight into the enterprise’s approach to DI from more than 60 per cent of its workforce.
Results from organisations’ surveys needed to exceed at least five of DCA’s key benchmark areas of: awareness, engagement, inclusive organisational climate, inclusive leadership, inclusive team, or exclusion to be named an Inclusive Employer.
Input to the Inclusive Employer Index survey was provided by groups including the ADN; the AIDS Council of NSW, ACON, and from DCA’s own research.
DHA Acting Managing Director Brett Jorgensen said:
“As a team dispersed across the country and representing a range of backgrounds, receiving the Diversity Council Australia’s Inclusive Employer status reaffirms DHA’s commitment to an inclusive and respectful workplace.”
“This recognition highlights DHA’s dedication to embracing diversity and understanding the unique perspectives and cultural backgrounds of our employees, strengthening our mission to support Australian Defence Force members and their families.”
DHA Acting General Manager People and Compliance Lisa Barlin said:
“DHA is thrilled to again be awarded Inclusive Employer status by Diversity Council Australia. This recognises the strong culture, support, and dedication among our people.”
“DHA will continue to strive for and improve inclusivity to cement this status and support the attraction and retention of an aligned workforce.”
DCA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Annese said:
“DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index is an opportunity to celebrate the companies that are driving real change and inspiring others to follow their lead.”