Inclusion and diversity
Be yourself at the PC
We welcome and celebrate diversity and value the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experience that each person brings to our workplace.
Parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all cultures and faiths are encouraged to apply.
We have made formal commitments in the Inclusion and diversity strategy 2024-2028.
This strategy describes what we are doing to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and why it is important at the PC.
Affirmative Measure – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment
We are committed to increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. We do this by:
- applying an affirmative measure to some of our recruitment processes
- offering Aurora internships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
If we apply an affirmative measure provision to a recruitment process:
- the position is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- we let you know in the job advertisement and application form
- we use a competitive and culturally safe environment to assess suitability, focused on the work-related qualities required.
Affirmative measures aim to improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They are permitted by the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
Confirmation of heritage
To be eligible for employment under the affirmative measure, you must provide confirmation of your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
You must provide us with documentation from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander incorporated organisation. The document must confirm or endorse that you:
- are an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person or both an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person identify as an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander person
- are accepted by your community as being an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander person.
A wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incorporated organisations can provide confirmation. This includes but is not limited to:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Councils
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services.
We will ask you to provide your Confirmation of Heritage prior to or during the onboarding process.
We acknowledge that Confirmation of Heritage is a sensitive matter and understand the complex history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We understand that in some cases obtaining official Confirmation of Heritage documentation can take some time, so we recommend you start the process as soon as possible.
Affirmative measure – disability employment
We apply a disability affirmative measure to some of our recruitment processes.
If we apply the disability affirmative measure to a recruitment process:
- the position is only open to people with disability
- we will let you know in the job advertisement and in the application form
- we will use a competitive process to assess suitability and focus on the work-related qualities needed for the position.
Meaning of disability
For an affirmative measure – disability employment position, disability is defined as a current limitation, restriction or impairment that has lasted or is likely to last for at least 6 months and restricts everyday activities. This also includes episodic conditions, if they are likely to recur.
For more information, see the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) definition of disability.
Evidence of disability
You must provide evidence of disability to be eligible for an affirmative measure position. You do not need to include information about your type of disability unless the vacancy has been restricted to people with a particular type of disability.
Evidence of a disability may be a:
- certificate or letter from a registered medical practitioner
- letter from a disability employment service or Workforce Australia provider
- letter from a secondary or tertiary institution disability services unit, in relation to a recent student
- current, approved National Disability Insurance Scheme plan.
You can also use the APSC template for providing evidence of eligibility for disability employment affirmative measure.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility aims to attract and develop applicants with disability. We apply the RecruitAbility scheme to all advertised vacancies not under a disability affirmative measure.
You can select to opt in to RecruitAbility in your application form. We will progress you to the next stage of the assessment process if you:
- choose to opt-in to the scheme
- declare you have a disability
- meet the minimum requirements of the role.
Adjustments
An adjustment (also known as a reasonable adjustment) is a modification to a work process, practice, procedure or setting to reduce barriers to participation.
We make adjustments so you can:
- reach your potential in recruitment processes and training opportunities
- perform your duties safely and productively in the workplace
- have equal terms and conditions of employment.
Recruitment process adjustments
You can request an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process.
Adjustments you can ask for include but are not limited to:
- recruitment materials in accessible and alternative formats
- clear written and visual information about the interview process
- provision of interpreters, readers, attendants or other work-related assistance
- interview by phone or video
- questions in advance of the interview
- additional time for an interview
- opportunity to have a support person
- an interview environment that is inclusive for all candidates.
Let us know about adjustments or assistance you may need:
- on the job application form
- by reaching out to the contact officer to discuss and letting us know your preferred method of contact.
For an advertised role you can find the contact officer details in the position description.
If you accept a job with us, you can also request reasonable adjustments in the workplace as part of your onboarding.
For general enquiries about reasonable adjustments please email recruitment@pc.gov.au.