DCA's CEO Roundtable brings business and government together on diversity
Diversity Council Australia and National Australia Bank last week hosted a CEO Diversity Roundtable with Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations, Education and Social Inclusion. This was the first in a series of roundtables designed to provide a forum to discuss key diversity-related legislative and other developments.
Michael Ullmer, Deputy Group CEO for National Australia Bank thanked Ms Gillard for participating in the Roundtable: "We are delighted that the Deputy Prime Minister was able to make time in her busy schedule to speak to employers who are actively committed to these issues, and interested in the Government's workplace relations agenda as it relates to key diversity areas," said Mr Ullmer.
Nareen Young, DCA's Chief Executive Officer said the Roundtable was an extraordinary opportunity for DCA members who attended: "Deputy Prime Minister Gillard provided significant insight into the policy thinking, impetus and approach behind the Government's proposed initiatives in the area of workplace participation and diversity. In particular, Ms Gillard explained the National Employment Standards (NES) on parental leave and the right to request flexible working arrangements," said Ms Young.
The key areas of discussion with Deputy Prime Minister Gillard were:
- The need for the NES to be simple and easily understood by business and the community, and that the machinery provisions need not be onerous.
- Large, sophisticated organisations have or will undertake the flexibility discussions appropriately but small to medium enterprises might need a bit of assistance in terms of flexible practices.
- Requests for flexible working options are best negotiated at the workplace level rather than through an external appeal mechanism.
- Social issues and economic imperatives drive the need to open up pathways to participation in the workforce for all Australians - corporate Australia has a role in this.
Participants at the forum comprised a selection of CEOs and senior representatives of DCA member organisations from various sectors such as banking and finance, mining, energy, construction and professional services.
Dianne Banks, Partner with Gilbert + Tobin who attended the forum said: "It was rare to have such intimate access to the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the Government's policy approach to workplace flexibility. The Government will be looking to partner with corporate Australia to increase workplace participation and is focusing quite strongly on the economic imperatives. I think organisations with a strong diversity agenda will be best placed to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead."
DCA is the independent, non-profit diversity advisor to business in Australia and its members are leading employers who value strategic diversity and the business benefits it brings. "The forum demonstrates that DCA membership not only gives you the latest information on diversity but provides access to leaders and decision-makers on crucial matters that impact on your workforce strategies and employment brand," said Ms Young. "It's also a great way to show your commitment to diversity in a very public way."
More CEO Roundtables will be held in future for all DCA members. Please contact us for more information about the next CEO Diversity Roundtable or about DCA membership.