ABCC Workplace Diversity Statement

The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is committed to creating a working environment that values and utilises the contribution of its staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

We recognise that all people have different qualities, skills qualifications, experience and attitudes to work. The ABCC values these differences and acknowledges their ability to improve the workplace for individuals and their potential to enhance the overall performance of the agency.

The ABCC aims to foster a productive and supportive workforce that provides equal opportunities for all employees.

What is workplace diversity?

Workplace diversity relates to gender, age, language, ethnicity, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation and religious belief. Diversity also refers to other ways in which we are different such as, education, socio-economic background, life stage, personality, geographic location, marital status and family or other carer responsibilities.

Workplace diversity is about acknowledging these differences and adapting work practices to create an inclusive environment in which all of our diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds are valued. It is about using these differences to achieve business and personal outcomes by providing a fair and rewarding workplace.

Workplace diversity at the ABCC

Workplace diversity helps to build the ABCC’s relationship with the community, enhance the contribution of our employees and improve the quality of our services. 

Workplace diversity creates a more inclusive and supportive working environment, enhanced team work and more effective service delivery. It increases productivity, encourages greater creativity and innovation and provides different ways of thinking for improved decision making.

The ABCC aims to deliver the following objectives:

Provide a supportive workplace

  • Comply with anti-discrimination legislation to help prevent and eliminate any employment related disadvantage attributable to race, colour, gender (including transgender and intersex), sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, religion, political opinion, national extraction, or social origin.
  • Promote workplace diversity and inclusion, and be proactive in eliminating all forms of harassment and bullying in the workplace.
  • Consult regularly with employees in developing and maintaining workplace practices that provide flexibility for employees to balance their work and personal commitments.
  • Ensure that diversity and inclusion strategies and actions are based on a consultative process that engages multiple stakeholder groups and involves the participation of a diverse range of people.
  • Ensure that all relevant agency processes and policies are reviewed for unconscious bias.
  • Maintain accurate records of the composition of the Agency’s workforce at all levels in respect to relevant aspects of diversity.

Management and leaders to create a workplace culture which promotes and respects diversity

  • Promote workplace diversity to all employees as an integral part of business and workforce.
  • Treat all employees with courtesy and respect and fostering good working relationships.
  • Practice and promote behaviour consistent with the APS Values and Code of Conduct.
  • Encourage and support team members in balancing their work and personal commitments.
  • Deal with inappropriate behaviour in the workplace promptly and effectively.
  • Seek a diverse range of views and encouraging team members to contribute their ideas.
  • Be aware of our own biases and working to reduce or remove bias in Agency processes.
  • Ensure that staff selection processes consider issues of diversity and inclusion.
  • Articulate the relationship between the effective management of diversity and key Agency goals.
  • Identify management competencies relating to diversity which they need to further develop, including team management, communication, motivation and performance management.

Treat colleagues with respect and be aware of diversity issues in our conduct

  • Treat each other with courtesy and respect and foster good working relationships.
  • Maintain appropriate standards of ethical behaviour, conduct and performance in accordance with the APS Code of Conduct.
  • Bring our diverse backgrounds, skills and talents to areas where these attributes may enhance and add value to the working environment.
  • Work to understand and respect the views of other employees.
  • Be aware of personal bias in ourselves and others by reflecting on our own behaviours.
  • Maintain a workplace that is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.
  • Learn about the diverse backgrounds, skills, experiences, values and approaches represented in our workplace.

The ABCC is also taking steps to enhance the opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when carrying out our business.  We improve awareness about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures by promoting staff education and activities.  See our Reconciliation Action Plan for more information.

Legislative Framework

A key aspect of workplace diversity is the contribution that we all make to a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment and includes the principles of equal employment opportunity, social justice and access and equity. The ABCC is bound by an extensive legislative framework that supports workplace diversity, including:

As a Federal government agency, the ABCC must uphold the Australian Public Service (APS) Code of Conduct, APS Employment Principles and APS Values defined within Public Service Act 1999.

 

Need more information?

For further information, advice or assistance please contact the ABCC at 1800 003 338 or enquiry [at] abcc.gov.au.