Cultural & Linguistic Diversity at Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)

Our purpose is supported by 5 objectives or key areas of focus:

• Support stewardship and sustainable management to enhance Australia’s environment and our unique heritage
• Manage biosecurity risks to Australian agriculture, the environment and our way of life
• Advance Australia’s strategic, scientific and environmental interests in the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean
• Support the sustainable management and productive use of Australia’s water resources
• Assist industry to grow to a $100 billion agriculture sector by 2030

Diversity and inclusion as a key components of our Core 4 values and behaviours. 

Demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion allows us to understand, embrace and respect the different perspectives each of us brings to the workplace whilst enabling staff to contribute to the success of the organisation.

To drive diversity and inclusion within the department, we developed, in consultation with staff, and Inclusion Strategy and established seven staff-led diversity networks 

Each network is formed through voluntary groups of employees working together to reflect the diversity in our work and help guide our interactions with each other. The networks contribute to the implementation of practical initiatives, raise awareness through days of significance and events, and contribute to training and education events aimed at promoting a better understanding of the diverse cultures and backgrounds that we have in our workforce. The seven networks cover Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, cultural and linguistically diverse, sexual orientation, gender equity, care and ability, and mental health awareness. 

Each of these networks is driven by a Champion who will advocate for and support organisational change in line with the values that each network represents.