EP#116: Why cultural and linguistic diversity matters: Unpacking the APS CALD Employment Strategy

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

On this episode, Dr Suzanne Akila, Jo Talbot, and Radi Kovacevic talk us through CALD representation in the public service, and what it will take for more culturally and linguistically diverse employees to succeed in the senior executive.

Australia is a truly multicultural nation, with over 21 percent of the country's population born overseas. As this demographic has grown over the years, so has the number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) employees in the public service. However, this isn’t broadly reflected in the senior executive level. Earlier this year, the public service launched its CALD Employment Strategy to address this gap.

On this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Dr Suzanne Akila from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Radi Kovacevic from the Department of Home Affairs about their experience as CALD leaders in the public service. Leading the implementation of the CALD Employment Strategy, Jo Talbot from the Australian Public Service Commission also joins the discussion, focusing on how to create workplaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Discussed in this episode:

· why cultural and linguistic diversity matters in the workplace

· championing CALD employees in the APS

· being curious about people’s stories

· the effects of othering

· key initiatives under the CALD Employment Strategy

· building cultural understanding

· removing bias from recruitment processes

· challenging what a good leader looks like

· learning critical self-reflection

· tips for aspiring CALD leaders.

Show notes:

· APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan | Australian Government

· CALD network | Australian Public Service Commission

· MOSAIC multicultural awareness digital magazine | APS Academy

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