Diversity and Inclusion at Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has the vision to be responsive and flexible, delivering high quality and connected services to all generations of veterans and their families.

DVA believes a diverse workforce enhances the ability for staff to drive creativity and think innovatively whilst also creating an environment in which all employees feel valued.

DVA has three Diversity Champions: a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Champion, a Diversity Champion, and an Indigenous Champion. Together, with the Diversity team, they help to increase awareness and drive cultural change on issues including equality, diversity and inclusion.

DVA promotes gender equality within the Australian Public Service (APS) and focuses on maintaining gender balance by developing a workforce that is reflective of contemporary society.

DVA celebrates a variety of significant days to increase awareness of gender disparities including, International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day and DVA’s Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Day.

DVA recognises the impact of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) can have on individuals and strives to provide a compassionate and supportive work environment.

In 2019, DVA established a DFV Reference Group to increase awareness and support for staff. The working group is developing measures to improve the interaction between the department and staff (APS and/or Contractors) experiencing DFV. The working group is also progressing work on a range of issues including information sharing and improving DFV competency.

DVA recognises the unique place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold in society. The Department is committed to the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap agenda, supporting reconciliation.

• DVA has implemented its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), ‘Galumbany’, which outlines their commitment to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians are working together to support reconciliation. DVA’s Indigenous Staff Network, ‘Nganana’, was formally established in 2019. Nganana is the Anunga (Western Desert) meaning ‘for everyone’.
• Contemporary Indigenous Artist, Chern’ee Sutton from the Kalkadoon people, Mount Isa area in Queensland, painted the work titled “Diversity and Inclusion”. The intricate piece captures the five areas of diversity as well as other aspects of DVA and Australia’s three services within the Australian Defence Force.
• DVA partners with the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) to support efforts to increase and support Indigenous employment. DVA participates in Indigenous Careers and the Indigenous Apprenticeship Program (IAP) to recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through entry-level programs.

DVA is committed to supporting people with disability and those with carer responsibilities, to support their wellbeing and maximise their potential so they can participate as equal citizens within DVA and the wider Australian society.

DVA celebrates International Day of People with Disability to increase awareness and provide support to people with Disability. DVA is currently a Bronze member of the Australian Network on Disability, as part of our membership we are able to access basic services and expertise, networking, and thought leadership on accessibility and disability inclusion.

DVA is working towards culture and adopting practices that allow all employees, regardless of their orientation, gender identity or intersex status, to bring their whole selves to work. DVA seeks to do this by creating a workforce that is aware of the LGBTI+ community and providing a work culture that is free of discrimination and ensuring that everyone is treated equally.

DVA is a proud corporate member of Pride in Diversity. DVA celebrates a variety of significant days to increase awareness of the LGBTI+ community including International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and Wear it Purple Day.

DVA is committed to bringing people together from different cultures.

DVA’s Diversity and Inclusion Network and CALD Champion provide an avenue for advice and support, in addition to celebrating cultural differences and increasing levels of awareness across the department. People from all cultures are encouraged to join the network.

As part of their membership, the Diversity Council Australia (DCA) provides a unique research, events, programs, resources and expert advice across all diversity dimensions to a community of member organisations.

DVA is a technology member of Pride in Diversity.

DEFGLIS is a volunteer-led charity that supports LGBTI serving members, ex-service members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force and their families. You can sign up for a free 6-month membership online.

DVA is currently a Bronze member of the Australian Network on Disability, as part of their membership, they are able to access basic services and expertise, networking and thought leadership on accessibility and disability inclusion.

As part of the DVA’s commitment to Indigenous Employment Memorandum of Understanding, the DVA is able to access tailored solutions to improve Indigenous employment outcomes through the Indigenous Careers program, which is managed by the Australian Public Service Commission’s Indigenous Capability Team.