Strategies, plans and governance
UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion, and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds.
We have developed a number of networks and programs to support our equity, diversity and inclusion priorities and objectives.
We are committed to identifying and addressing areas of under-representation among staff and aim to provide a respectful and healthy work environment for staff from all backgrounds, focusing on 6 key areas:
Reporting
We are required to submit reports to the federal government, and other external agencies, on a number of equity, diversity, and inclusion areas. This allows us to:
- ensure our priorities and initiatives are of high quality
- benchmark our results
- adhere to legislative requirements
- compare our achievement and progress to other Australian universities.
Australian Workplace Equality Index
UQ completes the annual Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) report for Pride in Diversity on the programs, policies and initiatives undertaken by UQ in regards to creating equality in the workplace for people who identify as gender, sex and sexuality diverse.
The AWEI is the national benchmark on LGBTIAQ workplace inclusion. The University was awarded a Silver award in 2019 and 2020, and was awarded a Gold award in 2021. Based on the 2022 AWEI results, UQ is in the top 5 Australian universities in gender and sexuality diversity inclusion. In 2011 UQ was named as one of the top 10 most LGBTIAQ friendly Australian employers by Pride in Diversity.
Workplace Gender Equality Agency Compliance Report
The University of Queensland lodges an annual public report with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.
WGEA requires that data is annualised and assumes that each individual worked full-time (for casual and part-time staff, data has been adjusted to show full-time figures).
Current report
- Read the 2021-2022 Compliance Notice (UQ login required). (PDF, 129.2 KB)
- Read the 2021-2022 WGEA Report (UQ login required). (PDF, 1.1 MB)
View previous reports
The report is protected and requires your staff username and password:
- 2019-2020 WGEA Report (UQ login required) (PDF, 1.2 MB)
- 2018-2019 WGEA Report (UQ login required) (PDF, 6.4 MB)
- 2017-2018 WGEA Report (UQ login required) (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- 2016-2017 WGEA Report (UQ login required) (PDF, 898.1 KB).
When reviewing the report it is important to understand that WGEA requires organisations to categorise staff in a particular way. It is important to read information about "standardised occupational categories of managers and non-managers" in the WGEA reporting reference guide. For example, the 'Professionals' category will not be the same as the Professional staff category Universities use. Data were based on a snapshot taken on the University reporting date of 31 March each year. Casuals working at that time were also included.
Contact the Workplace Diversity and Inclusion team with feedback and questions.
Disability Action Plan
The UQ Disability Action Plan provides a consolidated overview of the annual reports provided by stakeholders, and is lodged to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Disability Action Plan Annual Reports
The UQ Disability Action Plan (DAP) requires stakeholders to report on the progress of implementing the DAP.
The following reports demonstrate the progress made in implementing the UQ DAP. The reports are protected and require your staff username and password to access.
Policies
The UQ Policy and Procedures Library (PPL) contains the University's policies and procedure framework. A number of policies relate to diversity and inclusion areas:
- Children on Campus Policy [1.70.05]
- Code of Conduct [1.50.01]
- Disability Inclusion and Reasonable Adjustment for Staff [1.70.03]
- Domestic Violence and the Workplace: Support Options Available for Staff Guidelines [5.55.06]
- Equity and Diversity Policy [1.70.01]
- Flexible Work Arrangements Policy [5.55.07]
- Parental Leave Procedures [5.60.09]
- Personal Leave (Sick and Carer's) Procedures [5.60.03]
- Prevention of Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Behaviours [1.70.02]
- Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response [1.50.13]
- Recruitment and Selection Policy [5.30.01]
- Religious and Cultural Observance Leave Guidelines [5.60.12]
- Staff Assistance Services Policy [5.70.06]
- Staff Grievance Resolution Policy [5.70.08]
State and Commonwealth legislation
Legislation at both Commonwealth and State levels supports UQ's equity, diversity and inclusion principles. For more information, see:
Anti-discrimination
Commonwealth and State legislation provide anti-discrimination rights and obligations in relation to certain protected attributes, including:
- race
- gender
- sex
- sexuality
- disability
- caring responsibilities.
This legislation provides protections from discrimination in education and employment.
Queensland legislation:
- Anti-Discrimination Act Queensland 1991 provides anti-discrimination rights and obligations in relation to certain protected attributes.
- Age Discrimination Act 2004
- Australia Human Rights Commission Act 1986
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975
- Sex Discrimination Act 1984.
Workplace relations
The Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 contains workplace anti-harassment and anti-bullying rights and obligations.
The Fair Work Ombudsman covers the national workplace system, including the:
- Fair Work Act 2009, which contains anti-discrimination and anti-bullying rights and obligations
- the National Employment Standards.
Gender equity
The Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 applies to UQ, and we are required to to report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency each year.
Staff development
We recommend a number of staff development programs that aim to build a more informed staff community in relation to diversity and inclusion:
- Bullying and Discrimination - prevention and resolution.
- Career programs for women
- Core Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Learning
- Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer
- Appropriate Workplace Behaviour
- Ethics Awareness Workshop
- Inclusion online training modules
- Managing Unconscious Bias Program
- Mental Health First Aid
- Staff Disability Inclusion Workshop
- UQ Ally Training.
Committees and networks
If you are looking to start a new committee, or would like your group listed here, contact Workplace Diversity and Inclusion.
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Steering Committee is responsible for shaping and monitoring the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network is a regular opportunity to get together, share stories, make connections and discuss how UQ can keep developing as an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officers are trained UQ staff members that students and staff can contact about discrimination, harassment and bullying issues.
- UQ’s Gender Steering Committee champions strategic and transparent governance, accountability, planning and a reporting framework for gender equity, aligned with UQ’s Bronze Institutional Award for SAGE Athena SWAN, which reflects UQ’s commitment to broader diversity and inclusion.
- The Senate Committee for Equity, Diversity and the Status of Women is UQ's primary committee related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- The UQ Disability Inclusion Group provides a consultative mechanism for the development and implementation of disability inclusion initiatives across UQ.
- The UQ Ally Action Committee drives greater inclusion and diversity of sex, genders and sexualities at the University of Queensland and the community it serves.
- The UQ Ally Network is an award-winning network of well-informed staff who create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for sex, gender and sexuality diverse people at UQ and the broader community.
- The UQ Cultural Inclusion Council provides a consultative mechanism for developing and implementing inclusion initiatives focused on culturally and linguistically diverse staff across UQ.
Additionally, Workplace Diversity and Inclusion has a Microsoft Team for each of the following informal networks. These networks aim to share information, share personal experiences, seek advice, send updates on policy changes/progress, arrange virtual meetings/events etc.
Network chats:
- Disability/illness
- Menopause
- Breastfeeding
- Carers
- UQ Women’s Network
- UQ Men’s Network
If you would like to be added contact ideals@uq.edu.au
Some faculties, schools and institutes have developed equity, diversity, and inclusion committees. Check with your local area to find out whether you have a committee and how you can get involved.