Curtin University has been lauded as one of Australia’s best 10 workplaces for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transexual people.
The recognition came at the annual Pride in Diversity awards announced recently in Sydney.
In the Top 10 list, Curtin joined a group of progressive employers including IBM, the Australian Federal Police and KPMG.
Curtin’s Director, Corporate Values and Equity, Amanda Willis, said the university’s Ally Program – launched in 2006 to to encourage acceptance of sexual and gender diversity – was paying dividends.
“Through Curtin’s Ally program, valuing diverse sexuality and gender identity, staff have commented that it is great not to need to leave their identity in the carpark,” Ms Willis said.
“Students have expressed that the Pride flag flying on campus during the month of October has conveyed that they are welcome and accepted on campus.”
Pride in Diversity patron the Hon Michael Kirby said most Australians spent much of their lives at work and it was vital that workplaces welcomed and supported all employees.
“This is not only good for the employees concerned, it also benefits employers in terms of reputation, recruitment, retention, productivity and market share,” Mr Kirby said.
“And ultimately, providing support mechanisms for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual employees contributes to the ‘fair go’ spirit which we value so highly in Australia.”
