Diversity at Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C)

Not a lot of cultural diversity

PM&C is very committed to diversity on all fronts, and the employee population have various backgrounds along racial/ethnic, religious/cultural, gender, and sexual orientation lines.

The company's commitment is high, diversity is promoted, diverse employees fostered. Child-care and other responsibilities are not always appropriately addressed, really depending on the teams you'll work in and their own exposure to that (often young (bar directors and up who are great) and no kids so no understanding for having to leave to pick them up or stay home or else). Despite high commitments the actual workforce is incredibly white and Anglo Celtic. My grad year had less than five out of over 40 people born overseas, all but one or two having been educated in Australia. Unbelievable.

From what I've seen, the company seems genuinely committed.

I think it is good but always room for improvement here everywhere

People in the Networks would be able to directly respond to this with an informed opinion. Those within Networks would be aware that there are fantastic policy and initiatives that sound really good - except that is all there is. There is no real commitment from the I&D staff to have those words transform into practical action. There are very obvious tensions within the I&D team itself and this ultimately affects their relationship with the Networks.

Diversity is improving, in particular flexible hours are provided to women and men with children. There is a school holiday program, but no childcare. Diversity regarding LGBTIQ and minorities could be much improved.

It's a bit difficult to comment on this aspect when I'm not in a position of recruiting others. However the Department emphasises a commitment to supporting a diverse workforce.

There is a strong support for diversity in the narrative and policy, but this is not necessarily reflected in workplace demographics.

2/3 of the Department are women and minorities are actively recruited.

Nothing. Being from a CALD migrant background and mature-aged, the department did nothing special to attract diverse talent. Their hiring process is based on their incredible reputation. There's some initiative to recruit more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander which is gaining traction.

Unknown. A lot of graduates in my year are from Sydney and Melbourne with privileged backgrounds.

Unsure. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are encouraged to apply (there is a cadetship program) but unsure of retention.

I think there are a variety of entry level programs aimed at those without tertiary qualifications.

Merit based applications are exceptional in this regard.

I don’t think there is a great deal done, although there are a number of Aboriginal recruitment pathways in place for entry level staff.

I am not sure. Graduate recruitment certainly favours graduates who have completed a lot of extra-curricular activities. It is well know that people from privileged backgrounds have a greater ability to undertake such activities.

Indigenous stream for grads.