Monash University has been awarded the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI)'s 'Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy Award' for addressing barriers to Indigenous employment.
In 2022 the University implemented a multifaceted, culturally informed recruitment strategy, led by Indigenous staff. The University overhauled its Indigenous Employment Policy and Procedure and introduced more diverse employment pathways, including its inaugural Indigenous Graduate Program and crucial appointments of Indigenous human resources professionals who are at the forefront of Indigenous recruitment activities.
Monash University Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Renée Kemp thanked AHRI.
"The award is a great recognition of truly collective efforts at Monash University, and that we're on the right path to improve Indigenous participation in our workforce," she said.
"We acknowledge that more needs to be done, and with strong Indigenous leadership we will continue to improve".
Monash University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Tristan Kennedy said the University's strategy was having a tremendous impact on Indigenous employment.
"Our approach allows us to create positions and recruit staff in meaningful ways, and to build the careers of Indigenous academic and professional staff. In these ways, Monash is helping to build the Indigenous leadership in higher education," Professor Kennedy said.
Andrea Lund is a Wiradjuri woman who joined Monash University a year ago to recruit Indigenous talent.
"I'm proud to be employed by Monash University to support Mob to gain employment here. Monash has removed barriers and made changes that enable me to make connections with Indigenous candidates, and support them to find meaningful roles. That makes me excited to do my job," she said.
