Guidance for agencies to support employee wellbeing during the Voice referendum

Published

On 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution by establishing a Voice.

As the commentary in the community and public debate continues to intensify in the lead up to the referendum, we understand it may become an increasingly difficult time for staff. The heightened risk of exposure to racism and discrimination directed towards First Nations people will put particular strain on First Nations staff, their families and communities. This impact will be felt beyond the vote and delivery of a result.

While this guide cannot cover every practical scenario, this guide aims to provide general advice to Australian Public Service (APS) employees and managers to:

  • outline the support available in the lead up to, during and post referendum
  • help navigate conversations in the workplace
  • give you tips for supporting your personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of staff you manage

Supporting your wellbeing

As public commentary about the referendum intensifies you may hear or read views or opinions you find distressing or evoke an emotional response.

Should you experience distress, heightened anxiety or difficulty in the lead up to the referendum, speak with your manager or HR Assist in the first instance.

Your agency's Human Resources team can provide additional confidential support to anyone who does not want to disclose concerns to their managers, or who may require support such as reasonable adjustments.

Agencies and managers should be flexible and sensitive to the needs of employees and their circumstances. Consider allowing staff to access other workplace instruments, including flexible work, personal and miscellaneous leave, both paid and unpaid. 

For counselling support you can also access a range of support services through your agency Employee Assistance Program.

Other services that provide immediate and urgent 24/7 support include:

Supporting your colleagues

It’s important to remember that we all have different reactions and experiences about the issues being raised, and that we need to be considerate of, and show compassion to, our colleagues. We are all responsible for helping to keep each other safe and feel supported at work. Before engaging with colleagues about the Voice and referendum, remember to:

  • Take active steps to educate yourself. Go to voice.gov.au for the most up to date public information and resources.
  • Remember that we all have a role in contributing to a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
  • Practice judgement and be mindful of who may hear your conversation and the impact your words may have.
  • Respect others’ right not to engage in conversation.

If you host a discussion that will include reference to the Voice and related topics, you may wish to consider reflecting the following statement before starting the conversation:

“Opinions and perspectives on the Voice and the referendum will vary and we ask that discussion remains respectful and safe at all times. It is our collective responsibility to actively build and maintain culturally safe workplaces and communities, and this extends to how we discuss the Voice and referendum at work and in our personal lives.”

Responding to questions about the Voice

Here are some key points you can use to help you respond to unsolicited questions about the Voice and referendum at work.

If you are comfortable responding to questions about the Voice consider saying:

If you don’t want to answer a question or engage in a conversation consider saying:

Social Media

APS employees have a right to personal and political expression, but this must be balanced with our obligations as impartial public servants. These obligations extend to our interactions on social media. All staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Guidance for engagement in the Voice Referendum in a personal capacity 

Engaging in the referendum in a personal capacity

APS employees who wish to engage publicly with the referendum should read the Guidance for engagement in the Voice Referendum in a personal capacity to ensure they are acting consistently with their obligations as a public servant in relation to the APS Code of Conduct.

Responding to and reporting inappropriate behaviour

The APS is committed to preventing and addressing inappropriate behaviours in the workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination, racism, harassment or bullying, or the victimisation of people who witness or report these behaviours.

If you experience or witness any form of discrimination, please speak with your manager, or contact your human resources department.

You may also be able to make a complaint to your state or territory-based anti-discrimination commission. What is unlawful can vary depending on where you live, more information about the reporting process can be found at the below websites. 

  

If you experience threatening behaviours outside of work, you should contact your local police or 000 in an emergency.

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