The CPSU has been advocating for a more representative APS, that better represents multicultural Australia, to deliver better outcomes for all Australians, regardless of their background.
Drawing on the knowledge and experience of our members, our submission to the Multicultural Framework Review focuses on federal diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, identifying areas for reform to address systemic barriers, the effectiveness of current federal arrangements in supporting multiculturalism and engagement with multicultural communities in languages other than English.
Common themes from our members included the importance of Senior Executive Service leadership in shaping an agency's culture, frustrations about the lack of career progression opportunities, and that CALD strategies need to have clear outcomes, be enforceable and be properly funded.
We address the ongoing culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) underrepresentation in the APS and recommend that any APS CALD Employment Strategy should include a requirement for agency CALD strategies or action plans and leadership targets.
