RE-AFFIRMING OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION & DIVERSITY
An inclusive Workplace is Better for Business and for all Tasmanians.
There has been a lot said about 'DEI hires' lately, as if this is a "zero-sum game" where one group's progress is perceived as another's loss.
We disagree with that perception.
STATEMENT FROM OUR CEO, RAY MOSTOGL
The Trump effect is reverberating in numerous areas – part of his saturation approach to keeping media attention on his agenda – and no one else’s. One question has been whether the focus on achieving diversity and equity is misguided and should be reversed. Undoubtably where the primary motivation is to be seen as ticking the diversity box, then stepping back / reversing efforts are probably warranted. For the companies who have determined a diverse workforce brings business performance benefit, then reducing business value by reversing diversity efforts seems a dumb thing to do.
Having just attended the Company Directors National Summit; this was the overwhelming comment … “if a company has decided / has evidence a diverse workforce increases value – then get on with it – you owe it to your shareholders! Australia is not the United States of America!”
Susanne Rose is the consultant TMEC engaged to assist with the documentation of the Inclusion and Diversity Guidebooks – which is becoming recognised nationally, and Susanne has authored the following in response to some of the negative sentiment being expressed in some quarters. TMEC supports the message Susanne has authored and recommend all members read and use this as part of your decision-making process – if you need to make a decision.
AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE IS A SUSTAINABLE WORKPLACE
The conversation around workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is evolving, and so are the challenges and opportunities for businesses. Increasingly, discussions about DEI and workplace culture are taking place against a backdrop of shifting societal attitudes, economic pressures, and political debates about the role of DEI in the workplace. The momentum for change is real, but so too is the confusion and backlash, making it critical that businesses frame their DEI policies not as divisive mandates but as essential elements of long-term sustainability and success.
In traditionally male-centric industries—like those that drive Tasmania’s economy—women and other under-represented people continue to face entrenched biases, systemic barriers, and workplace cultures that do not always support their full participation. Yet, research consistently shows that businesses that embrace inclusivity perform better. Respectful, inclusive workplaces are not just about compliance; they are about fostering environments where all employees can contribute fully, unlocking innovation, strengthening workforce resilience, and improving productivity.
There is a growing tendency to frame DEI efforts as a “zero-sum game,” where one group’s progress is perceived as another’s loss. This narrative is misleading and counterproductive. True workplace equity is about creating environments where talent and contribution, not gender or identity, define success. It is about recognising that industries facing workforce shortages and economic uncertainty cannot afford to exclude or alienate half the population.
In Australia, the expectation for workplaces to be inclusive and equitable is not just a matter of values but one embedded in our legal and regulatory frameworks. Anti-discrimination laws, workplace gender equality requirements, and human rights protections set clear obligations for businesses to foster inclusive, respectful environments. Legislation such as the Sex Discrimination Act and the Workplace Gender Equality Act establishes that fairness and equity are not optional extras—they are the standard. This regulatory environment reinforces the understanding that inclusive practices are essential to good governance, risk management, and long-term business sustainability.
A thriving workplace is one where every employee—regardless of gender or identity—feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute. Creating this culture is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. The future of work is one of shared success, and the businesses that embrace this vision will be the ones that thrive.