Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Framework

• We provide an inclusive, safe and supportive culture and environment for everyone in our Swinburne community to thrive.
• We respect and celebrate the diversity of the Swinburne community and value the benefits this diversity brings.
• We have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying.
• We embed diversity and inclusion best practice in our policies, procedures, services and facilities.
• We acknowledge key diversity dates of significance, marked with events and/or communications to visibly represent our commitment.
• We encourage everyone in the Swinburne community to champion diversity and inclusion.
• We embrace diverse cultural perspectives and we work and study in a culturally safe and appropriate way.
• We create respectful spaces where people share their ideas, stories and lived experiences.

• We recognise that our staff, students and community have rich and complex life experiences, orientations and backgrounds. We value this diversity and are committed to understanding and supporting the unique needs that intersectional diversity brings.
• Our intersectional approach seeks to understand the impact of and actively redressing different forms of inequality, discrimination and disadvantage.
• We maintain, analyse and report on diversity and inclusion data to gain insights and identify opportunities to improve equity and inclusiveness.
• We consult with and incorporate the perspectives of our diverse Swinburne community and engage with the broader community in the design, implementation and review of our diversity and inclusion plans and programs.

• We incorporate the principles and practices of equity, accessibility, universal design, allyship and cultural competency to ensure Swinburne is welcoming, accessible, inclusive and culturally safe.
• We continually improve and evolve our diversity and inclusion programs through benchmarking and accreditation, establishing Swinburne as a trusted leader in diversity and inclusion practices.
• We are at the forefront of innovative and impactful diversity and inclusion initiatives in the higher education sector.
• We regularly review our policies, procedures, services and facilities to identify and eliminate barriers.
• We identify pathways, design programs and implement plans that enable under-represented groups to participate in our employment and education opportunities.

Our culture is welcoming, supportive and inclusive.

Our people embrace a variety of ideas, knowledge, perspectives and approaches and can bring their ‘whole selves’ to Swinburne as a valued and valuable member of the Swinburne community

Under our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and the leadership of the Moondani Toombadool Centre, Swinburne continues to be a national leader in the tertiary education sector in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters.

Our 2020 – 2023 RAP’s Vision for Reconciliation prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, and cultural safety for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni, and partners.

Swinburne is a culturally competent university where all staff and students embrace the principles of our Cultural Diversity Charter and recognise the critical role multiculturalism plays in Swinburne’s ongoing success.

This competence translates into a globally savvy university, where staff and students of different cultures, faith, spiritual and religious beliefs and linguistic backgrounds have the facilities, support and information they need to feel included. They are encouraged to express their cultural, religious and spiritual identity while pursuing education and careers at Swinburne. 

We strive to be an employer and educator of choice for people living with disability and carers of people with disability. We routinely consider the needs of people living with disability and carers of people with disability, are committed to removing barriers and enabling access to our education and employment opportunities. Find about more about our AccessAbility Action Plan.

We are recognised as a leader in LGBTIQA+ inclusion.

Staff and students of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities continue to be welcomed at Swinburne and are supported and encouraged to bring their whole selves to work and study. Processes, tools and supports are in place to create inclusive and welcoming work and study spaces and experiences. 

We continue to be recognised as an employer of choice for women. We achieve our targets of pay equity, women in leadership and advancing women in STEMM. We are known for the flexibility and support all genders in managing work-life balance.

We recognise that sex and gender are non-binary, and that equity requires supporting and championing all gender identities to feel welcome and included. Equity also requires having access to Swinburne services and facilities that enable people to thrive.

Find out more about our Gender Equality Action Plan.

Generational diversity is a business asset. Our age-inclusive teams are innovative and all our staff and students at their various life stages are supported, nurtured and developed to succeed and thrive. 

Swinburne continues to provide a respectful, harmonious and safe study and workplace for our staff and students to thrive.

We will continue to evolve our support for staff and students experiencing domestic and family violence.

Our preventative safety and wellbeing programs prevent unacceptable behaviour and maintain a safe and respectful university for all. Our cultural awareness and competency programs will continue to build a culturally supported and safe environment for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally diverse staff and students.