As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of our achievements this year and share an exclusive look at what we have planned for 2025.
The past year was a year of progress, innovation and impact. Here are just a few highlights:
Industry-leading research launches: We kicked off the year with the launch of our highly anticipated 2023-2024 Inclusion@Work Index, providing organisations with valuable information on the current state of play for diversity and inclusion in the workforce. This year also saw the release of the groundbreaking Disability Data at Work report, which sparked national conversations about disability and accessibility in the workplace.
Breaking barriers for culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) women: DCA’s RISE project welcomed new organisations in 2024. The launch of the Centring Marginalised Voices at Work guide was another milestone, providing practical strategies to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups in the workplace.
New tools to bolster D&I efforts: Our evidence-led tools and resources continued to enable organisations to enact meaningful change. Key highlights include the Inclusive Teams at Work toolkit, the Inclusive Meetings at Work guide, and a refreshed D&I Planning page with updated resources.
Harnessing the power of inclusion through education: We bolstered our education offering with the launch of an updated suite of Knowledge Programs. Following an extensive review in line with the latest best practices, most recent DCA and industry research, and past participant feedback, the revamped programs incorporate more interactive elements including discussion points, key resources for participants, and reflective activities.
Welcoming new leadership: Sunita Gloster AM joined DCA in June as our new Board Chair, succeeding Ming Long AM. Sunita brings more than 30 years of experience and passion for inclusion to the role. Sam Mostyn AC, Australia’s Governor-General, also became DCA’s new Patron, further strengthening our leadership and influence.
The 2024 Diversity Debate: DCA’s Diversity Debate returned in 2024 with the thought-provoking topic, “Is polarisation holding diversity and inclusion back?” This flagship event, along with regular online and in-person events and webinars, provided DCA members with opportunities for learning, discussion, and collaboration.
Advocating for systemic change: DCA’s advocacy efforts in 2024 were wide-ranging and impactful. Notably, DCA joined calls for ASX-listed companies to report on board diversity, urged the government to increase inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people in the 2026 census, and submitted numerous policy recommendations to drive systemic change at the national level.
Celebrating workplace inclusion: Over 500 organisations took part in DCA’s Inclusion at Work Week in 2024, celebrating diversity and inclusion efforts across Australian workplaces. The week also saw the announcement of the 2024-2025 Inclusive Employers, recognising over 60 organisations for their commitment to creating inclusive workplaces.
Farewell to CEO Lisa Annese: 2024 also marked the end of an era as we bid farewell to our CEO, Lisa Annese. Her vision, dedication, and transformative contributions leave a lasting legacy, setting the stage for DCA’s continued success in the years to come. The DCA Board is actively progressing the CEO search and looks forward to sharing an update early in the new year.
DCA’s research and events lineup for 2025
We have an impressive line-up of industry-leading research planned for 2025, including:
- Class Inclusion at Work: This pioneering study will explore social class inclusion in Australian workplaces to provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for how employers can address class-based exclusion.
- New guides and resources: DCA will continue to produce industry-leading resources to inform our members’ work, including a guide to getting started on D&I work and refreshed Words at Work Guidelines.
- Tools for an evidence-led approach: Our focus remains on providing practical tools and actionable data in 2025, with the release of guidelines for applying intersectionality at work, and for collecting, analysing and reporting on diversity and inclusion data, as well as recommendations for measuring neurodiversity at work.
- Participate in DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index 2025-2026: Organisations can take part to assess, benchmark, and showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This is a great opportunity to be recognised as a leader in fostering inclusive workplaces!
DCA’s 2025 event calendar is shaping up to be one of our most engaging and impactful yet. Here’s a preview of what’s already locked in:
- A pathway to national Truth-Telling in Australia with Commissioner Katie Kiss – February
- Accountability in action: does going public improve diversity and equity? – April
- D&I and the link to ESG – May
- The State of Reconciliation in Australia – June.
In addition to these headline events, DCA will host a variety of in-person events for its members, including research updates, key contact events, and CEO Roundtables.
Stay tuned for more inspiring events as we firm up our schedule, including an exciting headliner for the return of DCA’s Anna McPhee Memorial Oration on D&I.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on this year’s milestones, one thing is clear: meaningful change is possible when organisations, leaders, and communities come together with a shared commitment to building inclusive workplaces for a fairer and more equitable Australia. The achievements of DCA and our members in 2024 are a testament to the power of this collaboration and 2025 promises to be yet another year of transformation and progress for workplace inclusion.