Former High Court judge the Hon. Michael Kirby is set to help make Australian workplaces more supportive of LGBT people in his new role as patron of Pride In Diversity, the country’s first and only employer support program for the inclusion of queer people in the workplace.

“Pride in Diversity supports equal opportunity in employment for all employees, including those who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender,” Kirby explains.

“This is the modern way. It’s not only good for the employees concerned, it’s also beneficial to employers and a contribution to a ‘fair go’ community. Australians in sexual minorities are everywhere and I honour the employers who set a good example by adopting policies of equality and acceptance.”

Pride In Diversity is a program of ACON – NSW’s and Australia’s largest community-based LGBT health organisation – developed in partnership with Diversity Council Australia – the independent, not-for-profit diversity advisor to business – and London-based LGBT advocacy group Stonewall UK.

Kirby says he’s looking forward to his new role, and Pride In Diversity Director Dawn Hough says she’s delighted to have him on board.

“Michael Kirby is a high profile and well respected member of our community and having him representing Pride In Diversity is a great outcome for the program specifically and for the LGBT community generally,” says Hough.

“We now look forward to working with Mr Kirby as we continue to expand the Pride In Diversity program and make Australian workplaces more inclusive of LGBT people.”

Hough adds that the Pride In Diversity program has developed considerably over the last 12 months, welcoming a range of new members including Chevron, Accenture, PWC and Suncorp while providing services to our more established members which include IBM, KPMG, Telstra, Goldman Sachs, JBWere, Lend Lease, the Department of Defence and the Australian Federal Police.

BUSINESS LUNCH & AWARDS

Michael Kirby’s appointment comes as Pride In Diversity marks its first 12 months of operation and launches its inaugural awards recognising LGBT inclusiveness in the workplace.

Kirby and several high profile CEOs will be guest speakers at our inaugural Pride In Diversity Business Luncheon at the Sydney Hilton which will include a presentation of awards for Australia’s top employers for LGBT people.

The luncheon will take place on the International Day Against Homophobia on Tuesday 17 May, providing a terrific new platform for organisations to highlight the quality of their diversity practice and for people to network with leaders from the both the public and private sectors.

For further information about Pride In Diversity and to book for the Business Luncheon, visit its official website.