LGBTIQA+ community
In the 2024 APS Employee Census, 9.2% of respondents identified as LGBTIQA+. This compares with 8.7% in 2023 and 7.9% in 2022.
APS agencies are building supportive workplaces where everyone feels accepted and can perform at their best.
Employee networks across and within agencies are supporting LGBTIQA+ colleagues and advocating for equal treatment. Networks are celebrating events that are significant to the LGBTIQA+ community, promoting a work environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.
Events celebrated by Pride Networks in APS agencies in 2023–24 include:
- International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
- Pride Month
- Wear it Purple Day
- Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Defence APS employees marched alongside Australian Defence Force personnel in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on 2 March 2024, reflecting their commitment to support colleagues who identify as LGBTIQA+ and the broader LGBTIQA+ community.
The Australian Defence Force and Defence Civilian contingent before the 2024 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in Hyde Park, Sydney.
Image: Defence
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Pride Network celebrated Wear It Purple Day in 2023 by bringing together staff from all over Australia, including remote employees in national parks. Celebrations meant that staff could participate, no matter where they worked or lived, even as far away as Norfolk Island and Antarctica.
Agency working groups dedicated to supporting LGBTIQA+ employees are being championed at senior levels, providing impetus for new initiatives.
Veterans’ Affairs established a Pride Committee in late 2023, with a dedicated Senior Executive Service Champion. The committee assisted with the launch of an eLearning module by Pride in Diversity, known as Foundations of LGBTIQA+ Inclusion. It published an editorial piece for IDAHOBIT which included short stories from some staff within the community and their allies.
Geoscience Australia’s Gender Affirmation Policy and Procedure was officially endorsed by its Executive Board in November 2023. Developed by members of the agency’s Pride Network, Geoscience Australia has shared these materials with other government agencies as a model for similar policies.
Actions by APS agencies and employees to support LGBTIQA+ community members in the APS workforce align with a public service that is inclusive, a safe and productive workplace for all, and one that represents the Australian community it serves.