AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION Equity and Diversity Annual report 2011–12 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2011–12 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY REPORT TO THE MINISTER FOR BROADBAND, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2012 ISSN 1839-3292 For information about this report, Please contact: Manager Diversity People and Learning Australian Broadcasting Corporation GPO Box 9994 Sydney 2001

The following images on the front cover have been provided as part of the recognition of the ABC’s 80th Anniversary in 2012: Top Left: A group of migrants listen to English for New Australians. Probably early 1950s. From Document Archives, ABC Resources. Bottom Left: Some of the women who set up the unit to produce The Coming Out Ready or Not Show, ABC Radio program for International Women’s Year in 1975. Back Row L-R: Cathy Duff, Gillian Waite, Jill Lennon, Roberta Meilleur. Middle Row L-R: Jenny Small, Janet Bell, Ingrid Bourke, Liz Fell. Front Row L-R: Robin Lee and Sandra Levy. From Document Archives, ABC Resources. Top Right: ABC Radio’s Elaine Harris with supervisor Howard John and Guide Dog Kati, starting her first full- time job at Radio Hallam in Sheffield, UK. News of the job and first Guide Dog arrived on the same day in November 1980. Elaine has just celebrated her 25 years with the ABC in 2012. This image was provided by Elaine Harris. Bottom right: Elton Rosas, ABC Resources, on location in August 2006. This image was provided by the ABC.

2 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 CONTENTS

THE ABC EQUITY AND DIVERSITY PROGRAM 5

RESPONSIBILITY 7

COMMUNICATION 8

DIVERSITY ACTIVITY AND REPRESENTATION 9 Gender 10 Indigenous 14 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity 20 Disability 24 Workplace Culture and Flexibility 28

OBJECTIVES AND EVALUATION 30

3 The Australian Broadcasting In line with developments over time, Corporation is a national broadcaster the expression “equity and diversity” established as a statutory corporation is used in preference to “equal under the Australian Broadcasting opportunity in employment” or “equal Corporation Act 1983 (“the ABC Act”). employment opportunity”, in regard The ABC Act, which includes the ABC to many references throughout Charter, sets out the basic functions the report, as it reflects a broader and duties of the Corporation. coverage of related objectives As a Commonwealth authority and strategies. employer, the ABC is bound by the This report articulates the ABC’s provisions of the Equal Employment equal employment opportunity Opportunity (Commonwealth (EEO) program for the purposes of Authorities) Act 1987, the Racial the Equal Employment Opportunity Discrimination Act 1975, the Sex (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 Discrimination Act 1984, the as realised through its equity and Australian Human Rights Commission diversity strategies, as set out in the Act 1986, the Disability Discrimination ABC’s Equity and Diversity Plan 2008– Act 1992, Discrimination Act 11, the ABC’s Equity and Diversity Plan 2004 and the Fair Work Act 2009. 2012–15 and the ABC Reconciliation This report is made under the Action Plan 2009–12. It demonstrates provisions of Section 9(2) of the that the Corporation’s EEO program Equal Employment Opportunity is on track. (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987. The reporting period covers 1 September 2011 to 31 August 2012. The Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 requires the ABC to promote equal opportunity in employment for women and designated groups, which are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from a non- English speaking background and people with disabilities.

4 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 THE ABC EQUITY AND DIVERSITY PROGRAM

The ABC has developed its new As the national broadcaster, the ABC > Realising our Potential — to Equity and Diversity Plan to cover the has a number of Corporate-wide recognise, value and use the period 2012–15 following the expiry factors linked to diversity. The ABC diverse skills, cultural values and of the previous plan which spanned Charter requires the broadcasting of backgrounds of our current and 2008 to 2011. Plans include key areas, programs that contribute to a sense potential employees. objectives, strategies and performance of national identity and reflect the > Supporting our Work/Life Balance indicators that form the overall focus cultural diversity of the Australian — to promote an environment that and activity of the Corporation’s community. ABC Editorial Policies supports the work and life balance equity and diversity program. The support the diversity of perspectives. needs of employees. Corporation is required by legislation, The ABC Values include respect > Engaging with Communities — the Equal Employment Opportunity and collegiality and the reference to implement the ABC’s Charter to (Commonwealth Authorities) Act to embrace diversity. Successive reflect the diversity of Australian 1987 (Section 5), to develop an equal Corporate plans support a positive life by the provision of inclusive employment opportunity program and inclusive work environment. and accessible content and designed to eliminate discrimination As well as improving the workplace services by and for all Australians. and promote equal opportunity for culture and attracting and retaining > Linking Diversity — to link women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait a pool of talented, diverse staff, the equity and diversity plan Islander people, people from a non- the implications are that the ABC with internal corporate-wide English speaking background and will have a broader representation frameworks and external reporting people with disabilities. and appeal to a wider audience and trends. Over the years, the ABC has and consumer base. Seeking to add delivered a series of plans which diversity into the mix of content, Overview and Progress have supported a fair and inclusive products and services, provides The Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11 workplace and implemented accessibility and connection with covered a period of time at the strategies that have promoted audience, customers and clients. ABC when workplace culture and diversity opportunities and values have been a major focus outcomes for staff, managers and ABC EQUITY AND DIVERSITY and the Corporation launched its the organisation. The focus and PLAN 2008–11 Reconciliation Action Plan 2009–12. The objectives and strategies coverage of diversity has been The ABC’s Equity and Diversity Plan expanded, over time, due to a range of the Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11 covered the period 1 January 2008–11 have been an integral part of factors and influences including 2008 to 31 December 2011. new related legislation, employment of the culture change, within an and societal trends, an emphasis on Key Areas environment of continuous growth workplace culture and values, a key > Leading with Diversity — to and innovation in broadcasting and area of work/ life balance and linking promote a culture of opportunity the media. diversity to the business objectives through the ABC Executive The Reconciliation Action Plan 2009– of organisations. In recent years that demonstrates an inclusive 12 addressed many of the areas of the Corporation has introduced workplace based on shared values. Indigenous employment and cultural the ABC Values, launched its first > Connecting with Each Other — to awareness that have contributed Reconciliation Action Plan 2009–12 contribute to a co-operative and to a broader focus and input across and has participated in Corporate harmonious work environment the ABC. Social Responsibility initiatives. free of unlawful discrimination, Divisional and State and Territory harassment and bullying. reference groups have contributed to a more inclusive effort that has brought about new initiatives, closer ties with Indigenous communities and a greater presence across the media platforms.

5 The ABC’s new Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15

The first-time Indigenous cultural The Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11, The initial focus and delivery of awareness package, which was while covering a range of diversity strategies in 2012 encompassed: developed and rolled out to staff, areas, included activities related to activities to promote a positive received an external diversity award the representation of the four EEO culture; the roll-out of mature age, in 2011. groups. There were increases in the gender, disability and work/life The ABC Strategic Plan 2010–13 overall representation of women, and programs; and elevating Indigenous and the ABC Values included women in senior executive positions, employment efforts as one of the diversity as a key consideration, as well as staff from non-English key ABC strategic priorities. Initial while relevant accountability was speaking backgrounds. The number of groundwork aims for broader cultural embedded in executive job plans staff with disabilities increased, while diversity across the Corporation’s and the performance management the ratio of total staff decreased, content, platforms and workforce, framework. although remaining above the ABC’s as a major focus area over the life target in this area. Indigenous staff of the new plan. The six key areas of the Equity and increased from 1.2% to 1.5% at end– Diversity Plan 2008–11 substantially The plan is a broad-based Corporate December 2011. The Corporation is progressed the work of equity and framework and divisions and still to achieve its initial target of 2% diversity in the ABC. Many of the locations will tailor strategies that Indigenous employment. strategies included reviews and are most applicable and reasonable for their areas. audits, which paved the way for the ABC EQUITY AND DIVERSITY next steps in the new equity and PLAN 2012–15 diversity plan. Divisions and state RECONCILIATION ACTION and territory areas embraced The Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 PLAN 2009–12 diversity and introduced strategies was developed and approved, with The ABC Reconciliation Action tailored to their needs and directions. broad consultation, covering the period Plan 2009–12, launched in October 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015. New activities that promoted 2009, aims for a proactive and long- diversity, increased awareness Key Areas term commitment to improving and supported managers and staff Being Inclusive — how we embrace opportunities for Aboriginal and included the introduction of mental diversity in the workplace. The focus Torres Strait Islander people in four health training, tools for managers to areas are leadership, workplace key areas: Cultural Understanding manage flexible work arrangements, culture, representation in the and Respect; Employment; Content; a mature age survey, participation in workplace and awareness. and Community Links. As it is in its last year of operation, consultation the Paralympic Workplace Program Being Audience Focused — how and development work has been and a comprehensive mentoring we deliver content which reflects in progress for the ABC’s second program for women across the diversity. The focus areas are the Reconciliation Action Plan. Operations area. Connections with representation across ABC platforms audiences and accessibility were and community satisfaction. heightened with: dedicated portals RECOGNITION Being Audience Accessible — how for disability and religion and During the reporting period the ABC we support access to our products ethics issues and stories; increased won awards related to employment— and services. The key area of focus captioning; and awareness training the 2012 Randstad Awards that is accessible services. for frontline staff. recognised the Corporation as ’s second most attractive employer overall and the most attractive employer for work and life balance. An award was also received in the Employment & Inclusion of category of the 2011 diversity@work Awards.

6 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 RESPONSIBILITY

LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONAL Likewise, the states and territories RESPONSIBILITY FRAMEWORK established Indigenous working groups to broaden their local The ABC’s equity and diversity Across the Corporation there are contacts, encourage employment program is supported at the senior groups and contacts that advance and integrate Indigenous culture and management level by the ABC equity and diversity activity. Each participation across functions. Executive. The Managing Director division has a contact at the senior and Divisional Directors have overall management level who promotes A monitoring group tracked the responsibility for the program and the program and assists with progress of the Reconciliation Action strategies are included in their reporting. A network of state-based Plan 2009–12 during 2011 and this performance objectives, along with Employee Contact Officers assists function was transferred to the the requirement to demonstrate staff with information and support newly constituted Bonner Committee behaviours and attributes that reflect regarding discrimination, harassment in 2012. This Committee’s role and ABC Values. This year the Directors and bullying issues and resolution membership had been reviewed and were involved with discussions about processes. This year a number of the new purpose and framework the Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 new Employee Contact Officers confirmed, to support the delivery of and approved its implementation were appointed and provided with the goals of the Reconciliation Action across the Corporation and the a comprehensive training program. Plan 2009–12. potential tailoring of the plan on There are divisional reference groups a divisional basis. that focus on the achievement of The People and Learning Division Indigenous employment targets. is responsible for the overall The ABC’s Operations Group has a development, implementation and broader reference committee which monitoring of the equity and diversity focuses on all diversity areas, with the program. The roles of Manager result that a range of activities are Diversity and Indigenous Employment devised and consolidated across this Co-ordinator are responsible for conglomerate of divisions. the delivery of the program within a divisional business partner framework and across states and territories.

The Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 requires the ABC to confer responsibility (Section 6 (b)) for the development and implementation of the EEO program.

7 COMMUNICATION

INFORMATION SHARING INTERACTING WITH INTERACTING WITH UNIONS ABC employees access information EMPLOYEES The ABC Senior Employment about the equity and diversity As part of the process of developing Agreement 2011– 2013 Executive program using a range of platforms, the Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15, Levels 1 and 2 and the ABC Senior including email, social media, all staff were consulted about Employment Agreement 2011—2013 the ABC’s intranet sites and staff the contents and were invited to Executive Levels 3 and 4, were newsletters and notices. The People provide feedback or gain further approved by Fair Work Australia and Learning web pages include information about its purpose and on 12 December 2011 and became a specific section on equity and actions. Consultation was also effective on 19 December 2011. diversity policies, guidelines, reports, underway regarding the ABC’s second The Agreements set out the terms activities and contacts. During 2011–12, Reconciliation Action Plan and a new and conditions for ABC executive information was delivered about: Indigenous employment strategy. employees and now include the model Indigenous activities; mature age Interaction with the People and flexibility, consultation and dispute and disability initiatives; a calendar Learning business partner team and resolution clauses provided in the Fair of diversity events; development the divisional and state and territory Work Act 2009 (Cth), and have been programs for women, men and management teams strengthen the updated to interact with the National people from non-English speaking ownership and output of the equity Employment Standards. Changes backgrounds; and resources for work/ and diversity program. have been made to provide stronger life balance. links between performance and pay Forums, workshops and online Information on a range of issues is for executives and greater flexibility programs provided the opportunity to the Corporation regarding types sourced and distributed to senior for involvement and discussion on managers, content makers, service of engagement. The Agreement now specific areas, such as discrimination, contains a Supported Wage Clause. providers, targeted diversity groups, harassment and bullying, valuing contacts and representatives. diversity, Indigenous culture, mental The ABC consulted with the health awareness and work/life, Community and Public Sector Union gender, race and faith issues. (CPSU), the Media Entertainments and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia (APESMA) on the ABC’s Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 and continued to consult as part of the process of implementing changes to work practices or technology that are likely to have a significant effect on staff.

There are three actions included in the Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 that require the ABC to communicate and consult regarding its EEO program: Informing Employees (Section 6 (a)), Consultation with Employees (Section 6 (d)) and Consultation with Trade Unions (Section 6(c)).

8 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 DIVERSITY ACTIVITY AND REPRESENTATION

The Equity and Diversity program is underpinned by: Several mechanisms assist with quality improvement and assurance > positive leadership; within the ABC, such as the ABC > employment practices based on merit; Editorial Policies (revised 11 April 2011) > a safe and supportive environment; and the ABC Code of Practice (revised > initiatives addressing a “fair go”, supporting the recruitment, 11 April 2011). The Editorial Policies retention, development and potential of employees; and and Code of Practice each include provisions relating to promoting > strategies that encourage a diverse workforce and services that and reflecting cultural diversity reflect and engage the diversity of the Australian community. and avoiding the unjustified use of stereotypes or discriminatory content that could reasonably be interpreted as condoning or encouraging At the end of the 2011–12 reporting To build on the ABC’s diversity prejudice. period, 76.4% of ABC staff had program, external policies and The ABC’s equity and diversity provided EEO data. The collection of practices are monitored in relation policies, practices and activities data is ongoing with new employees to good business practice, legislative are reported under the areas of invited to complete the EEO survey changes and trends. Senior managers Gender, Indigenous, Cultural and form within a short time of joining were provided with a presentation Linguistic Diversity, Disability and the Corporation. Each quarter a that outlined new diversity-related Workplace Culture and Flexibility. In summary of EEO statistics is provided developments that took place during 2012 the ABC celebrated its 80th to divisions and States and Territories 2011 and 2012. Anniversary and highlighted a range for information and progress of their The ABC Workplace Values and Code of images from the ABC Archives, diversity representation. of Conduct statement of principles many of which reflected the change Data is collected from applicants for refers to fairness, the promotion in diversity and roles on-air, and of vacant positions and work experience of equity in employment and a content makers and support staff, as part of the online recruitment workplace that values diversity. over the years. process. Applicants are invited to Equity and diversity references are provide Indigenous, non-English included in the Recruitment and speaking background and disability Selection Guidelines. information.

The Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 requires the ABC to collect statistics (Section 6(e)) and consider policies, and examine practices (Section 6(f)) in regard to women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from a non-English speaking background and people with disabilities.

9 GENDER

POLICIES AND PLANNING positions. One of the ABC’s senior AWARENESS AND managers attended one of the The Equity and Diversity Plan COLLABORATION sessions as a speaker, sharing career 2008–11, the Equity and Diversity experience and advice. At ABC Ultimo, ABC staff and the community Plan 2012–15 and ABC policies have senior women gained contacts and attended an International Women’s principles, objectives and strategies exchanged perspectives at a series Day panel broadcast in Sydney, titled that promote equal employment of informal gatherings as part of an Women and the ABC: Untold Stories, opportunity for women and gender- ongoing networking initiative. that was arranged by Radio National. inclusive and non-discriminatory This forum, in March 2012, featured practices. The Corporation’s Equity Women in Broadcast Technology a number of women with ABC and Diversity in the ABC an Overview —Scholarship Opportunities connections, both past and present, statement was updated with ABC divisions sponsor opportunities who looked back at their time working references to gender identity and for women in areas of under- on the ABC Radio’s Coming Out sexual orientation. representation. The ABC Women in Show years, the struggles for equal Broadcast Technology Scholarship opportunity within the organisation EMPLOYMENT MEASURES program encourages and supports and the stories they couldn’t tell at Mentoring Program for Women female students undertaking full- the time. The Operations Group area of the time TAFE qualifications in electro In Canberra, , ABC implemented a mentoring technology, engineering technology ACT News Presenter, hosted the scheme for women, aimed at and computer science. Recipients UN Women Australia International increasing representation at the receive four weeks paid industry Women’s Day Forum, with ABC senior management level. This experience and a $1 000 book Journalist, , as the national program was introduced as allowance. guest speaker. a pilot in 2011 and following a positive In 2012 the scholarships have reached The ABC’s Managing Director, Mark evaluation, a further one-year program a milestone of 21 years of operation Scott, joined the panel of the UN was rolled out in 2012, with 25 women and during this year students have Women Australia’s Gender Equity in having access to a senior mentor. been offered these opportunities the Workplace Summit in July 2012 Men and Work Program in the Australian Capital Territory, in Sydney, with a group of business Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. Male members of staff in Sydney and community leaders. Melbourne were invited to participate The benefit of maintaining this The ABC continued to support in a program in 2012 specifically program is that seven women the Broadcasting for All: Focus on focusing on men in the areas of: work/ currently employed by the ABC in Gender guidelines project, aimed life strategies; resilience and health; , Tasmania, Victoria at broadcasting organisations in effective workplace and personal and Western Australia were either the Asia-Pacific area. Assistance relationships; leadership, mentoring applicants for, or recipients of, included the promotion of the content and fatherhood; and change—breaking the awards. of the guidelines, and support for old patterns and creating new paths. Women in Sports Broadcasting implementation of the objectives The Men and Work program also —Internship Opportunities and strategies in the guidelines, provided the 35 participants with the The Television Division has offered to improve gender representation opportunity to develop new ongoing sports broadcaster internships and portrayal in the region. contacts across the Corporation. for women, with the objective of Development and Networking building a pool of potential presenters for Women working in the male-dominated area Single-gender opportunities were of sports broadcasting. Niav Owens also provided to women, with 25 commenced a one-year contract in female staff members, in five states, February 2012 as the latest intern. undertaking the Springboard career Participants are provided with work and personal development program placements in the Television Sports for women in non-managerial area and with ABC News 24.

10 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 Radio National’s International Women’s Day Women and the ABC: Untold Stories Forum, ABC Ultimo

GENDER REPRESENTATION Representation of Governance and Leadership

Women Men Total ABC Board 4 3 7 ABC Advisory Council 6 6 12 ABC Executive, reporting to the Managing Director 5* 5 10 State and Territory Directors 3*† 5 8

*CEO ABC lnternational, Director Innovation, Director News, Director People and Learning and Director Radio *† Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Tasmania During 2011–12 Angela Clark was appointed to the position of Director Innovation and Lynley Marshall to CEO ABC International (previously Director ABC Commercial).

Progressing with Leadership Development

Major ABC Leadership Programs % of women participants ABC Advanced Media Leadership Series 2011–13 50% ABC Manager Program 2012 40%

ABC Radio’s Miriam Hall won the Andrew Olle Scholarship for 2012, which presents the opportunity for journalists to develop their skills and potential under the guidance of experienced journalists.

Representation of Gender by Occupation

August 2012 August 2011 Women Men Total Women Men Total Occupational Group No. % No. % No. No. % No. % No.

Senior Executive 141 43.4 184 56.6 325 135 40.8 196 59.2 331

Administrative/Professional 554 70.0 237 30.0 791 563 70.6 234 29.4 797 Content Maker 1 478 49.6 1 503 50.4 2 981 1 473 49.6 1 499 50.4 2 972 Technologist 51 14.3 305 85.7 356 48 13.4 309 86.6 357 Retail 151 82.1 33 17.9 184 169 80.5 41 19.5 210 Total 2 375 51.2 2 262 48.8 4 637 2 388 51.2 2 279 48.8 4 667

(Number and percentage based on Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff, within Occupational Group)

11 Virginia Haussegger, ACT News Presenter, hosting the UN Women Australia International Women’s Day Forum, Canberra

Representation of Gender within Salary Ranges, August 2012 > For the first time the ABC Executive attained equal numbers of female and male members of Women Men this group. $99 011 and above 42.0 58.0 > The overall number of women employees continued to exceed $87 531 – $99 011 43.1 56.9 the number of male employees, $78 364 – $87 531 44.7 55.3 with the same ratio as last year, 51.2% women and 48.8% men. $70 343 – $78 364 45.3 54.7 Five years ago, in 2007, women represented 48.9%, and a decade $64 090 – $70 343 58.6 41.4 ago, in 2002, 47.6%. $55 857 – $64 090 65.3 34.7 > The ABC’s percentage of women $49 731 – $55 857 59.5 40.5 within the senior management group increased by 2.6 % to an $43 544 – $49 731 73.8 26.2 all-time high of 43.4%. $43 544 and below 82.8 17.2 > The content maker group had nearly equal representation of (Percentage based on Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff) gender with women at 49.6% and men at 50.4%. > In line with workforce participation across industries, the administrative/professional and the retail groups had high proportions of women, while men dominated the technologist group. > The high number of women working in the retail group was reflected in the lowest salary ranges.

12 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 Representation of Gender by Length of Service, August 2012

LENGTH OF SERVICE (NUMBER OF YEARS) > In 2011–12, women dominated in all of the years-of-service groups >40 Women up to 20 years’ service. Men had Men the greater numbers in the years- 36–40 of-service groups for more than 20 years. 31–35 > Women had a higher representation 26–30 in most age groups under 45 years, with a greater number of men 45 21–25 years and older in each age band. > Overall, 31% of the Corporation’s 16–20 workforce was 50 years and older, 11–15 while 14% was under 30 years. The median age of ABC female 6–10 employees at the end of the reporting period was 40 years and 1–5 the median age of men is 46 years. 0 200 400 600 800 1000 (Number based on Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff)

Representation of Gender by Age, August 2012

AGE (NUMBER OF YEARS) 65+ Women 60–64 Men 55–59 50–54 45–49 40–44 35–39 30–34 25–29 20–24 <20 0 100 200 300 400 (Number based on Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff)

13 INDIGENOUS

POLICIES AND PLANNING EMPLOYMENT MEASURES > The Operations Group held an open career information day after The Equity and Diversity Plan Recruitment and Appointments advertising a wide range of career 2008–11, the Equity and Diversity Plan There were a great deal of ideas and options targeting Indigenous 2012–15 and the Reconciliation Action activities generated across the ABC in people, resulting in the appointment Plan 2009–12 include references 2011–12, aimed at recruiting Indigenous of two part-time staff and potential to objectives and strategies that people. Targeted platforms and a candidates for the internship provide a framework to support range of recruitment formats were program. initiatives linked to: the ABC’s used to reach and inform Indigenous initial Corporate target of 2% level > In early 2012 Miriam Corowa people about ABC job opportunities. was appointed to the position of of Indigenous employment; the Recruitment processes were tailored promotion of Indigenous content; and weekend co-presenter of Breakfast to encourage applications and on News24. a broader connection with Indigenous maximise the employment outcomes. > The 2012 ABC Television’s TV communities. The ABC’s first Initiatives during the year included the Indigenous Producer Internship Reconciliation Action Plan covers the following appointments. period 2009–12. During the last year scholarship was awarded, providing > Four interns commenced in the of the plan the ABC’s cross-Corporate the recipient with significant areas of ABC Resources (two), Indigenous group, the Bonner development opportunities Communications Networks Committee, focused on developing through experience, increased (one), and News (one) during the the second plan and work was also skills and mentoring. reporting period. The Department undertaken on a new Indigenous > The Television Division continued of Education, Employment and employment strategy. to target and appoint Indigenous Workplace Relations administers content makers in the Indigenous The Managing Director announced the internship program by nine ABC Strategic Priorities for Department through a range of providing a database of students forms of employment. 2012 as part of a broad face-to- undertaking tertiary studies and > Technology Division provided face consultation with all staff. matching them with registered an opportunity for a student to One of these key areas focused on organisations. The ABC provides work and study through a tailored “Indigenous Employment Targets”, financial assistance and work arrangement. with reference to targets set under placements, with a view to the Reconciliation Action Plan ongoing employment, where > Radio Division appointed a Cadet 2009–12. there are suitable vacancies, at in Newcastle, New South Wales. Indigenous Employment Reference the successful completion of the Groups in divisions and in each state internship. and territory, devised strategies and activities tailored to their areas, to progress the aims of the Corporate objectives.

14 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 Participants at the ABC Indigenous Staff Conference,

Work Placements > ABC Radio negotiated a Indigenous Staff Conference > Three students from regional Memorandum of Understanding Every two years, the ABC arranges New South Wales were selected with the Brisbane Indigenous an Indigenous Staff Conference to in the ABC’s School to Work Media Association, to facilitate bring together all the Indigenous staff Indigenous Scholarships scheme two ABC Radio content makers in one location. The program and in conjunction with the New South to train their radio interns in activities aim to support Indigenous Wales Department of Education the ABC’s editorial policies and staff with development, recognition and Training. Funds for their processes. The aim is to establish and networking, as well as showcasing educational expenses, two-week an Indigenous talent pipeline for Indigenous work at the ABC. The work placements each year and potential roles at the ABC. participants are able to meet with access to a mentor, form the basis > ABC Resources supported two senior management and contribute of the program. In 2011 and 2012 students undertaking post-graduate to Indigenous strategic planning. Two the participating students are studies for the Television Technical other important activities include a located in Lismore, Wagga Wagga Operations Certificate, by providing day at the local ABC studio rolling out and Wollongong. paid work placements with practical a careers day for Indigenous students > Another major initiative in New skills related to their qualification. and a community tour to meet and South Wales is the Western > Many areas and locations provided learn about the local Indigenous Sydney School Project. The ABC’s work experience, tours, hands-on people, history and culture. The 2011 Operations Group has partnered demonstrations and talks to a conference was held at Adelaide with two high schools in Western variety of tertiary, community and in November 2011 with nearly 40 Sydney, Cranebrook High School high school students to encourage Indigenous staff attending from and Riverstone High School, consideration of working at around the country. both with significant numbers of the ABC across the range of Indigenous Staff Scholarships Indigenous students. The project, occupational groups. Groups and ABC Indigenous Staff Scholarships arranged with the New South individual students, included those: are awarded at the Indigenous Wales Department of Education from the UTS Summer School, Staff Conference and provide the and Training, aims to provide Sydney, the Australian Capital recipients with access to personalised students with career advice, Territory Government’s Aspirations career development opportunities. work experience and potential Program and the Summer In 2011 the awards were presented to employment opportunities at the Engineering School, University Natasha Lawrence, Television Division ABC and practical support and of Sydney; attending the Catholic and Rhianna Patrick, Radio Division. training, for a period of three to Education Office careers expo, five years. Sydney; enrolled in the Indigenous > Melbourne staff hosted 17 Digital Film Making course, TAFE, Indigenous students from across South Australia; and undertaking central Victoria, as part of The a placement in the Northern Foundation for Young Australians Territory News area. Worlds of Work Program. Participants visited workplaces and interviewed staff about their careers and personal journeys.

15 Participants at the One Word, One Day: Artists in Residence Project, ABC Ultimo

AWARENESS AND Indigenous Literacy Project ABC Radio continues to broadcast its COLLABORATION The One Word, One Day: Artists in two long-running Indigenous programs Residence Project is a national project Awaye! and Speaking Out. During Indigenous Cultural Awareness the year the ABC Open’s DreamBox Learning Resource that brings artists and illustrators together to create a series of artworks project captured thousands of images The ABC, as part of its Reconciliation based around “one word”. The aim of at photo booths around the country. Action Plan 2009–12, developed this initiative, created by the Australian Indigenous people were invited to a unique Indigenous cultural Society of Authors, is to raise funds for share their dreams in words and awareness learning program for all the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. photos for an online collection. employees. This program consists The ABC embraced this project by ABC Local Radio in the Northern of a face-to-face workshop with hosting Indigenous artists around Territory provides emergency warning Indigenous facilitators, that provides Australia at a series of events where information in Indigenous Top End an introductory experience and link the artists produced their artworks in languages to assist with severe to an extensive eLearning tool. The public forums. weather threats. online tool is a first-time, ten-module program of Indigenous history and Content and Services The Indigenous Gateway aggregates culture in Australia, enhanced by a Indigenous culture, stories and music Indigenous content from across the range of ABC archival records and are represented across the ABC’s ABC and publishes an array of video footage and the voices, faces and platforms and services. stories, reviews and news articles on the site. perspectives of the Corporation’s The ABC Television Production Indigenous employees. Strategy 2011–2013 was announced ABC Music produced Indigenous Indigenous staff support the program during the year, which included a albums with songs celebrating and non-Indigenous staff have key goal of delivering high-impact traditional language, law and culture. the opportunity to increase their Indigenous programming for a prime- Winanjjara: The Song Peoples awareness, have access to an ongoing time audience. ABC TV increased Sessions is a collaboration between resource, join in the positive forward its budget allocation for Indigenous traditional and contemporary journey with the ABC’s Reconciliation content, which has enabled the Australian Indigenous musicians. Action Plan 2009–12 and enhance commissioning of the drama series Warren H Williams recorded with the Indigenous contacts, storytelling and Redfern Now, which will ultimately Warumungu Songmen with songs content. Since the program’s launch employ more than 250 Indigenous translated by the Aunties and Elders in May 2010, over 1 200 staff have people in varying roles. ABC TV of the area and he also recorded a attended the workshops and gained Indigenous will work with the solo album, Urna Marra. access to the tool. Of this number, 377 Indigenous independent production External Participation attended the workshop sessions in community to commission an Business Services Division Cadet, 2011–12. expanded slate of productions across Joshua Gilbert, was one of 100 young drama, comedy, documentary, factual Indigenous people from around and entertainment. Australia selected to participate in The 20th Anniversary of the Mabo The National Congress of Australia’s decision and Reconciliation Week First Peoples National Youth Program were recognised with an extensive in Sydney in June 2012. This five- range of coverage across Television, day forum provided the opportunity Radio and Online. to increase leadership skills, make contacts and utilise the experience in communities.

16 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 NAIDOC Week forum, ABC Perth. L-R: Elvis Yarran, Geoff Duncan, State Director Western Australia, Trey Collard, NAIDOC Week forum ABC Melbourne. Presenters Libbi Gorr and Daniel Browning (Centre) Hayden Jones and Anne de Souza

NAIDOC Week NAIDOC Week is recognised across the Corporation with a range of activities, as well as extensive coverage and content related to Indigenous people and achievements across all the ABC platforms. In 2012 celebrations and activities were held in each capital city and across ABC regional centres including these highlights:

Adelaide — featured a cooking demonstration of bush tucker produce, the planting of Indigenous plants and a visual art display by Tandanya, the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.

Bendigo — ABC Central Victoria is located at the junction of several tribal borders—the Dja Dja Wurrung, the Baraba Baraba, Ngurai-illam Wurrung, and the Woi Wurrung. Discussions were conducted with both academics and the custodians of the languages, on the differences between the dialects in these specific areas and whether or not they are under threat.

Brisbane — contributed to the Musgrave Park Family Fun Day with a live broadcast from the event.

Canberra — hosted a visit from Australian Capital Territory Government Indigenous Elected Body representatives.

Darwin and Alice Springs — arranged a gathering in Civic Park, Darwin with Indigenous celebrity chef, speakers and entertainers. Local languages featured on air each day of the week.

Hobart — as the host NAIDOC Week city for 2012, the ABC attended official events as well as showcasing local Indigenous talent and local language word awareness sessions.

Melbourne — Local Radio hosted the Evening program in the ABC’s foyer with guest host Libbi Gorr and Radio National’s Daniel Browning, with a range of Indigenous entertainers and visitors.

Perth — hosted an in-house event with local Indigenous speakers, including a community representative from the Outcare organisation.

Sydney — provided a range of events and entertainers including the key note speaker, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Mick Gooda, at the opening day forum at Ultimo. Radio National recorded the Big Ideas public forum at the Eugene Goossens Hall on A Constitution for all Australians: Indigenous Representation Beyond 2012. Staff from Television’s Indigenous Department outlined the programs completed during the year and the slate of upcoming work in an interactive session with ABC employees.

Townsville — ABC North Queensland Mornings conducted an Outside Broadcast from St Teresa’s Catholic College, Abergowrie, near Townsville. The school has a reputation for supporting parents and communities to educate remote Indigenous Australian students and programs focussing on equipping Indigenous youth to be future leaders.

ABC Radio celebrated Indigenous culture by providing ABC NAIDOC via a special events digital radio station during the week, with the introduction of fresh Indigenous voices to the airwaves. triple j celebrated and broadcast an array of Indigenous music and artists during the week and held a competition to discover the best unsigned Indigenous musical act in Australia.

17 Ariana Liddy on work experience with ABC Resources at ABC Adelaide

INDIGENOUS REPRESENTATION The ABC has a Corporation-wide target of 2% Indigenous employment. In recent years the number of Indigenous employees edged upwards, from 53 in 2008, 58 in 2009, 62 in 2010 and 64 in 2011. The rate of representation increased from 1.3% to 1.4% during 2010–11 and had remained at 64 staff representing 1.4% at the end of the 2011–12 period. Although there was high recruitment activity and appointments, these efforts were offset by a turnover of staff. The majority of Indigenous staff were content makers and another staff member joined the senior executive group. Northern Territory and Queensland had 2% or higher representation of Indigenous staff of the total staff number of their areas.

18 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 Participants at the Poh’s Kitchen set, ABC Indigenous Careers Day, Adelaide. Centre: Luke Carroll

Representation of Indigenous People by Occupation

August 2012 August 2011 Occupational Group No. % No. % Senior Executive 2 0.6 1 0.3 Administrative/Professional 10 1.3 9 1.1 Content Maker 48 1.6 50 1.7 Technologist 4 1.1 4 1.1 Retail - - - - Total 64 1.4 64 1.4

(Number and percentage based on Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff, within Occupational Group) Representation of Indigenous People by State/Territory

August 2012 August 2011 State/Territory % No. % No. Northern Territory 8.3 10 9.6 12 Queensland 2.0 8 1.2 5 New South Wales 1.6 36 1.5 34 Australian Capital Territory 1.1 2 0.6 1 South Australia 0.9 3 1.4 5 Tasmania 0.6 1 0.6 1 Victoria 0.5 4 0.6 5 Western Australia - - 0.4 1 Total 1.4 64 1.4 64

(Number and percentage based on Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff, within State/Territory)

19 CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY

POLICIES AND PLANNING EMPLOYMENT MEASURES ABC International Development works across the Asia and the Pacific The Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11, Workforce Activities and Support regions to support the development the Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 Parts of the Corporation are of robust media institutions through and ABC policies contain references reviewing the diversity of their aid-funded projects. With a staff of 35 and strategies that focus on cultural workforce and content, and and an emphasis on employing and and linguistic diversity and the developing strategies to ensure developing the skills of locally-based representation of people from a greater cultural and linguistic staff where possible, International non-English speaking background diversity. Strategies aimed at Development has established a diverse (NESB). There is a significant promoting cultural diversity as part team. Locally-engaged staff bring the emphasis on promoting cultural and of our programs and services could benefit of “home-grown” knowledge linguistic diversity across the content result in a more diverse workforce and an understanding of the culture platforms. One of the strategies across the content maker group. of their own country and within in the Equity and Diversity Plan The performance management the region, both vital ingredients in 2012–15 is to develop a resource tool system is being used for one area developing assistance projects. that will provide ideas, frameworks, of the ABC at the senior content contacts and resources related to Over the 2011–12 year, the country of management level. Key performance cultural diversity that can be applied origin of International Development indicators include the requirement particularly to the content areas. staff included Cambodia, Fiji, Papua to demonstrate an increase in the New Guinea, Solomon Islands and The ABC’s Charter requires the diversity, especially ethnic diversity, Vanuatu. Staff from outside the region broadcast of programs that of on-air and off-air creative talent. included individuals from Finland, contribute to a sense of national On a geographical basis, the ABC India, Japan, Jordan, United Kingdom, identity and reflect the cultural sources appropriate learning United States, as well as Australia. diversity of the Australian community. opportunities for employees from The ABC Editorial Policies include Work Placements and non-English speaking backgrounds provisions relevant to promoting Development to support their communication and reflecting cultural diversity: the needs in the workplace. Facilities are The ABC continued its role as an ABC is committed to presenting, over provided around Australia for prayer industry partner on the Australian time, content that addresses a broad purposes. A new Multi Faith Room Sudanese Media Project, which is range of subjects from a diversity of was introduced at ABC Ultimo during run by the Centre for Advanced perspectives reflecting a diversity of the year. Journalism at the University of experiences, presented in a diversity Melbourne. The project is a journalism of ways from a diversity of sources. Information on significant cultural training initiative for Sudanese people days and the observances of staff in Australia, which aims to provide from a range of religious backgrounds them with the skills to make their own are provided to managers around media and to have a greater voice Australia, to enhance awareness within mainstream media. and support.

20 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 Members of the 29th Commonwealth Broadcasting Association General Conference, at ABC Brisbane

During the reporting period, the AWARENESS AND The take-up of the recognition and program ran two 12-week media COLLABORATION celebration of Harmony Day and training courses, with a total of 24 other local festivals and special days students completing the courses. The Activities and Partnerships and visits is supported each year ABC has contributed to the design In April 2012 the ABC hosted the across the ABC. Highlights were: of the course and almost 50 ABC 29th Commonwealth Broadcasting New South Wales State Director and staff have participated by sharing Association General Conference Technology Division’s interpretation their expertise as trainers, mentors, in Brisbane. This provided the of the Harmony Day theme regarding speakers and administrators. opportunity for a range of people sport, with speaker, ABC Sports In August 2012, the next phase of from other countries, working Presenter and Reporter, Amanda the project began, with the start of in the media, to meet with ABC Shalala, sporting activities, workgroup a master class designed for students management and staff and tour the connections and collages; ABC Local who have completed one of the new ABC Brisbane building. Radio, Adelaide, broadcast the OzAsia previous courses. The master class ABC Ultimo again hosted a group from Moon Lantern Festival in September will equip the students with the skills the Leadership Training Program for 2011; the Chinese Community and experience to establish their own Young Muslims, arranged by La Trobe Association of Tasmania put together community website. University, Melbourne. In October a display of traditional culture in the ABC Hobart foyer; and ABC Local Under government and community 2011, over 20 participants engaged in Radio and Radio Australia conducted schemes, work experience is provided a panel discussion on the reporting a live broadcast of the celebration to people from non-English speaking of Muslim-related issues in the media. of the Chinese Lunar New Year, with backgrounds. ABC Resources in The ABC panel was moderated by Radio staff Andrea Ho and David Hua. Canberra provided a placement for Linda Mottram and those who were a student from Colombia, South part of the panel included Geoff Content and Services America. The aim of the program Thompson, News Division, Patrick ABC Online’s Religion and Ethics was to assist with the familiarisation Abboud and Noel Debien from Radio website continues to publish of Australian workplace culture and Division, Dian Islamiati, Radio Australia commentary, analysis, news and to gain local experience. In Brisbane and Amanda Collinge from Television features on a wide range of religious, the Radio Division supported the Division. The forum also provided ethical and philosophical issues. The Australian Leadership Awards: the opportunity for networking and site is edited by Scott Stephens and Leadership Development Program engaging contacts. hosts contributions from the world’s with a placement for a student influential leaders in this area. from Vietnam, which is part of the Australian Scholarship Program.

21 Technology Division’s Harmony Day event, ABC Ultimo with guest speaker, Amanda Shalala

Audience surveys are undertaken Radio National’s Rachael Kohn was to ascertain views with questions elected Vice Chair of the newly including country of birth and founded International Association languages spoken at home. The of Religion Journalists. results of the surveys can assist the ABC to gauge the appeal of its NON-ENGLISH services by community diversity SPEAKING BACKGROUND and can link this information and REPRESENTATION feedback to the composition of the > The representation of staff from ABC workforce. Results from the non-English speaking backgrounds annual ABC Appreciation Survey in at the end of August 2012, June 2012 indicated that 84% of non- remained the same as last year at Australian born respondents believe 12.3%, this is 1.1% higher than five the ABC performs a valuable role years ago (11.2%). and 74% believe the ABC broadcasts programs reflecting the cultural > The technologist occupational diversity of the Australian community. group had the highest ratio with one-quarter of this group from Recognition and Appointments non-English speaking backgrounds. Two ABC International employees Content makers at 8.2%, with were awarded with honours in the lowest proportion of NESB, Cambodia in appreciation of their have been increasing over time, work with AusAID to improve the although a slight downward shift of media operations within the country. 0.3% this year. Five years ago the Domenic Friguglietti and Ta Rath ratio was 7.6%. were presented with the honours at > Divisions with the highest a special medal ceremony in April proportion of staff from non- 2012. Francis Herman also from ABC English speaking backgrounds International was awarded the Order are: ABC International, of Australia Medal in recognition of his Communications Networks, work developing a strong and vibrant Business Services and Technology. media sector in the Pacific Region. > The main languages of ABC staff who completed the EEO survey and nominated their non-English speaking language background are: Italian (72), Chinese, Cantonese and Mandarin (61), Greek (46), German (45), French (42) and Arabic (24).

22 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 Tieng Sopheak Vichea from the Royal University of Phnom Leadership Training Program for Young Muslims, ABC Ultimo Penh with the ABC’s Ta Rath and Domenic Friguglietti

Representation of People of Non-English Speaking Background by Occupation

August 2012 August 2011 Staff with EEO Data Staff with EEO Data

Occupational Group No. % No. % No. % No. %

Senior Executive 33 11.3 292 89.8 35 11.6 303 91.5 Administrative/Professional 127 18.8 677 85.6 123 18.3 674 84.6

Content Maker 1 74 8.2 2 121 71.2 179 8.5 2 118 71.3 Technologist 78 25.5 306 86.0 79 24.6 321 89.9 Retail 24 16.3 147 79.9 22 13.8 160 76.2

Total 436 12.3 3 543 76.4 438 12.3 3 576 76.6

(Number and percentage based on Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff, within Occupational Group, who provided information on the ABC’s EEO Data Collection Form in regard to their non-English speaking background. Staff with EEO data represents Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff, who completed the language section of the EEO Data Collection Form—both English speaking and non-English speaking backgrounds.)

23 Disability resource booklet for ABC staff DISABILITY

POLICIES AND PLANNING Chaplin to work in Melbourne Reasonable Adjustment following the Paralympic Games. The Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11, and Access the Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 The News Division appoints a cohort The Technology Division consults and ABC policies contain references of cadets each year for a career in with, and supports employees with and strategies that focus on people journalism at the ABC and one of the disabilities, with updated technology with disabilities. 2011 cadets, who is blind, successfully to ensure access issues are properly completed the cadetship and was The ABC is a member of the identified and addressed. This year, appointed to a full-time position in Australian Network on Disability staff with disabilities were provided 2012, as a journalist in Bega, New which supports the implementation with voice recognition system South Wales. of strategies from the Corporation’s equipment and accessible software, Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11 and The ABC participates in the Australian as well as an accessible printer and the Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15. Network on Disability’s Willing and handset lifter. Generally, staff and Able Mentoring Program. Final-year potential staff are provided with The ABC Editorial Policies and ABC tertiary students, who have a disability, reasonable adjustment and access, Code of Practice each require ABC are matched with a mentor from at the recruitment stage, induction, staff to avoid the unjustified use of an industry related to their studies. during employment and within existing stereotypes or discriminatory content Television Division has worked with workplaces and planning for new that could reasonably be interpreted a number of students over the years, buildings. In 2011 work was completed as condoning or encouraging with the provision of mentoring, work on strengthening the emergency prejudice. In guidance notes placement and support. One of the procedures for staff with disabilities. underpinning the Editorial Policies former participants is now working and Code of Practice, reference The design of the new ABC Brisbane as an Online Producer within the is made to the Commonwealth building focussed on achieving Television area. government website, Mindframe, as accessibility outcomes beyond that a source of additional information Two areas—the News Division and required by the Building Code of about the reporting and portrayal the Operations Group—promote Australia. Accessibility features, as of people with mental illness. the employment of people with part of the overall design, included disabilities, by providing roles for increased access areas and facilities, EMPLOYMENT MEASURES office assistants with learning listening systems, signage and difficulties, through an external luminance and seating spaces. Employment Opportunities disability job placement agency. Accessibility has also been The ABC, through the Television and A similar role was identified in 2012 incorporated in the design and Technology Divisions, signed up to by Business Services Division to work construction of the ABC’s new the Paralympic Workplace Program. in the new ABC Brisbane building. premises in Mackay, Queensland. In This program assists athletes to meet Television Division arranged a paid addition, there are updated facilities their sporting commitments while work placement in 2012 for a person at the ABC’s Wagga Wagga site engaging with a flexible working with a disability through Sydney and funding approved to provide arrangement. Three athletes were Employment Development Services, a pedestrian access ramp at the employed during 2011 and 2012 by the employment arm of the Cerebral Orange, New South Wales site. the Television Division—Kylie Gauci Palsy Association. This person has and Ben Weekes in Sydney and Kelly also been volunteering as a guide for Cartwright in Melbourne. All three will visitors to the ABC. resume their working arrangements with the ABC following the completion A number of other areas of of the Paralympic Games. the Corporation provided work experience under various disability An additional Paralympic athlete schemes including the News Division has been provided with a workplace in Canberra and the Radio Division at opportunity at the ABC. Television Albury/Wodonga and Bega. Division has also employed Shelley

24 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 Ben Weekes, Paralympic Athlete

AWARENESS AND ABC Ramp Up Website In addition, to the captioning service COLLABORATION The ABC’s Ramp Up website was accessed via Television, the ABC provided over 6 000 hours of Training and Promotion launched in December 2010 and continues to be the ABC’s online captioned content via ABC iView and Mental Health First Aid Certificate space for news, features and opinion continues to improve and develop Courses were provided to ABC about disability in Australia. The relationships to increase the number managers in Brisbane and Darwin. site publishes both exclusive and of platforms and devices through A range of mental health awareness aggregated content from across which iView can be accessed. information and sessions are also the ABC and the site has a growing Over 98% of all programming on available to staff throughout the year. audience. Ramp Up continues to ABC1 between 6pm and midnight is Staff who deal with the public, provoke high-level discussion about now captioned and the ABC continues through areas such as the disability on Twitter, Facebook and to demonstrate its commitment to switchboard, reception, retail, comments on the site itself. captioning and access services by security and audience control are Ramp Up is edited by Stella Young, ensuring coverage of the full range of given information and training about who also provides commentary on significant national and public events. welcoming customers with disability. disability issues for ABC Television, During the reporting period coverage Business Services staff in each state Radio and Online, contributing to included ANZAC Day state marches and territory received diversity disability awareness and discussion and international memorial services, training including discussions on across the ABC. In August 2012, Stella the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee River disability awareness. Young travelled to London to cover Pageant and thanksgiving, the State Managers are provided with the Paralympic Games, providing a Funerals for Jimmy Little and Jim information about support for broader perspective of the event and Stynes as well as all major breaking physical adjustments in the workplace the participants. news stories. and a managers’ guide about As in previous years the ABC disability in the workplace was made Accessibility for ABC Online and ABC Mobile Content continued to ensure that the range of available in all states and territories. program genres captioned, covered The Innovation Division continues Senior managers from Television arts, documentaries, sport and news, to work on creating standards and Division, David Anderson and Stephen current affairs, children’s, factual, guidelines for use by ABC content Murray, represent the ABC as Indigenous, drama and entertainment. makers to assist them in building disability champions at the Australian more accessible online and mobile Specific titles from the past year Network on Disability forums. content. This includes mobile included the new Australian-made The Paralympic Games accessibility guidelines and a guide to programming such as The Slap, Miss The major content area relating working with the international Web Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Marngrook to disability this year was the Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. Footy Show and The Drum, as well as returning series such as The Gruen preparation, promotion and coverage Captioning and Access Services of the Paralympic Games across Transfer and Gruen Planet, Gardening The ABC continued to deliver a high multiple platforms. ABC Television Australia, Q&A and Australian Story quality captioning service to people was announced as the exclusive along with the regular commitment who are hearing impaired or deaf. broadcaster of the London 2012 to the state-based main evening News Paralympic Games in Australia, which In 2011–12 the ABC broadcast close to bulletins, 7. 30 and Lateline. commenced at the end of August 2012. 24 000 hours of captioned content Commentators and reporters included across ABC1, ABC2, ABC3, ABC4 Kids former Australian Paralympians and ABC News 24, with over 6 800 and apart from the coverage of the hours of captioned content broadcast events, there were related panel and between 6pm and midnight. entertainment programs.

25 Remaining connected to viewers via Consumer Products and Services A new initiative this year has been feedback in regard to caption outputs ABC Commercial provides consumer the introduction by ABC Shops of a and quality is vital to the ABC’s ability products and services designed to dedicated member of staff to assist to continue to serve the needs of its meet the needs of diverse audiences. people with disabilities, or less mobile audience. The ABC is fully committed attendees, at all events. ABC DVD continues to contribute to meeting with groups and The ABC Shop Online subscribes to organisations representing the Deaf closed captions within DVD products in order to better meet the needs the guidelines set out by the Web and Hearing Impaired community Content Accessibility Guidelines and to strengthen and promote the of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired community. As in previous years, DVD 2.0. The issue of web accessibility commitment to high quality captions has always been an important across all platforms and services. titles sourced from overseas have captioned/ subtitled functionality requirement of the ABC Shop Online In February 2012, the Minister for where available. website since its creation. ABC Broadband, Communications and the Shop Online actively seeks guidance Within ABC Music, the audio business Digital Economy announced that the from groups such as Media Access continues to grow partnerships with ABC would be conducting a technical Australia as well as through the ABC’s Bolinda and AudioGo to provide a trial in relation to an Audio Description own pool of online governance. service on ABC1. The 13-week trial range of product mix of content for visually-impaired consumers. During the year ABC employees commenced in August 2012. were encouraged to purchase goods ABC Books now publishes titles in and services from the Australian large print for the visually impaired. Disability Enterprises as part of the Fifteen titles have been published Corporation’s procurement strategies. to date with more being added each month to the program. ABC Shops continues to display signage to enhance customer awareness of captioned products and staff encourage customers to ask for assistance.

26 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES REPRESENTATION Representation of People with Disabilities by Occupation

August 2012 August 2011 Staff with EEO Data Staff with EEO Data

Occupational Group No. % No. % No. % No. %

Senior Executive 23 9.0 255 78.5 24 9.1 263 79.5 Administrative/Professional 57 9.0 633 80.0 55 8.7 629 78.9

Content Maker 123 7.2 1 713 57.5 120 7.2 1 676 56.4 Technologist 27 10.1 268 75.3 34 12.2 278 77.9 Retail 10 6.9 144 78.3 12 7.6 157 74. 8

Total 240 8.0 3 013 65.0 245 8.2 3 003 64.4

(Number and percentage based on Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff, within Occupational Group, who provided information on the ABC’s EEO Data Collection Form that indicated they have a disability. Staff with EEO data represents Total Head Count, Non-Casual Staff, who completed the disability section of the EEO Data Collection Form—both those who have a disability and those who do not have a disability.

> There were 240 employees with disabilities, representing 8.0% of staff who provided EEO data, which was reasonably higher than the ABC’s target of 5% people with disabilities of all staff. > The technologist occupational group had the highest ratio.

27 WORKPLACE CULTURE AND FLEXIBILITY

The Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11, the Equity and Diversity A career and retirement planning Plan 2012–15 and ABC policies have objectives and strategies workshop and resource called that contribute to a positive and flexible workplace environment. Envisage—create your future was offered to relevant staff to provide information and options for making positive changes, setting goals and During 2011–12 Business Services A Positive Workplace Culture identifying actions for staff in the Division initiated the development The ABC Strategic Plan 2010–13 has later stages of their careers. Fifty and roll-out of Building a Positive a major goal “to demonstrate ABC mature age staff attended a workshop Culture in our Workplace sessions for Values in every aspect of our work”. in Sydney and a further 50 staff all their staff. The workshops were The ABC Strategic Plan reiterates outside of Sydney were provided held in all states and territories with the ABC Values of Integrity, Respect, with access to an eModule. Collegiality and Innovation. These 148 participants. values are referred to, throughout the In the Australian Capital Territory, Work and Life Balance Corporation, in correspondence and there were a number of initiatives The ABC Enterprise Agreement documents and are demonstrated that promoted collegiality and a more 2010–2013 includes provisions for and encouraged through appropriate inclusive workplace culture. As part of flexible working conditions, some of behaviour, actions and initiatives. the ABC’s 80th Anniversary activities, which are flexible hours, part-time work and job sharing, carer’s leave, The ABC Workplace Behaviour Policy the ABC Chairman and the Managing purchased leave, paid maternity leave addresses the areas of discrimination, Director presented peer-nominated and unpaid parental leave. harassment, anti-bullying and awards to staff. complaint resolution and is supported Age Initiatives The Corporation offers flexibility in work arrangements and job with relevant training—the Creating A survey was completed by ABC design, access to facilities and the a Better Place to Work workshop, for staff who were 50 years and older provision of information services and managers and staff. During the year in 2010, with a high response rate awareness-raising forums. there were 20 workshops held around of over 50% (623 employees). Australia and the introduction of an The results provided a snapshot During the reporting period, 212 online version. There are ongoing of this group’s profile related to women were undertaking maternity reviews of policies and the workshop psychological well-being, workplace leave; five male employees were content and delivery, as well as attitudes and behaviours, training on parental leave without pay; and strategies for case management and and development, retirement and at the end of the reporting period, prevention measures. mentoring. Recommendations there were 570 female and 118 male arising from the survey results were ongoing part-time employees. developed in 2011 and initial strategies All states and territories endeavour implemented in 2012. An age context to provide work/life programs, with summary was also completed, that an array of lifestyle and health-related focused on age trends and activity seminars, classes and membership in Australia. offers to local health centres and activities.

28 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 Childcare and Eldercare Employee Support Services The ABC’s Employee Assistance Childcare facilities are available Program (EAP), provided by Davidson on premises at Ultimo (24 ABC- Trahaire Corpsych, provides a priority places) at the University of counselling service for ABC staff Technology Sydney (25 places) and and their families for both work and off-site in Melbourne (10 places). personal problems. During the year, Around Australia there are parenting 332 employees and family members rooms for staff and visitors. A accessed the service. comprehensive vacation care More than 1 000 employees from information service is provided for all divisions around the country New South Wales staff. have attended a Trauma Awareness Another resource for staff is the workshop. Eldercare Information Kit under licence from an external provider. This kit assists employees with elder care responsibilities. It was converted to an online version in 2012 with regular updates.

29 OBJECTIVES AND EVALUATION

SETTING OBJECTIVES AND Being Inclusive — how we embrace MONITORING SELECTING INDICATORS diversity in the workplace. The focus AND EVALUATION areas are leadership, workplace The objectives of the ABC’s Equity culture, representation in the During the reporting period, the ABC’s and Diversity Plan 2008–11 which workplace and awareness. Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11 was expired during the reporting period evaluated in the Final Review and are to: Being Audience Focused — how Outcomes of Plan Strategies, January we deliver content which reflects 2012 document. The Corporation’s > promote a culture of opportunity diversity. The focus areas are through the ABC Executive Reconciliation Action Plan 2009–12 representation across ABC platforms expires at the end of 2012 and is that demonstrates an inclusive and community satisfaction. workplace based on shared values; monitored and evaluated each six Being Audience Accessible — how months with published reports. The > contribute to a co-operative and we support access to our products ABC made substantial progress in harmonious work environment and services. The key area of focus implementing the strategies embodied free of unlawful discrimination, is accessible services. by these plans. harassment and bullying; The Equity and Diversity Plan 2008–11 The overall progress of the Equity > recognise, value and use the and the Equity and Diversity Plan and Diversity Plan 2008–11, the diverse skills, cultural values and 2012–15 have detailed actions, targets, Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 backgrounds of our current and timelines and areas of responsibility. and the Reconciliation Action Plan potential employees; The Reconciliation Action Plan 2009–12 is reported in the ABC’s > promote an environment that 2009–12 has actions, areas of Equity and Diversity Annual Report supports the work and life balance responsibility, timelines and and the ABC Annual Report. The needs of employees; measurable targets under four main Equity and Diversity Annual Report > implement the ABC’s Charter to headings of Respect, Opportunities— 2010–11 was tabled in the House of reflect the diversity of Australian Employment, Opportunities—Content Representatives on 19th March 2012 life by the provision of inclusive and and Relationships. and the Senate on 20th March 2012. accessible content and services by The ABC Strategic Plan 2010–13 The ABC participates in external and for all Australians; and has six strategic goals that commit benchmarking surveys related > link the equity and diversity plan the Corporation to being: audience to diversity on a regular basis to with internal corporate-wide focused, high quality, innovative, complement the monitoring and frameworks and external reporting values based, efficient and evaluation processes and the and trends. responsible. Equity and diversity development of future plans. The ABC’s Equity and Diversity Plan related actions are reflected in a 2012–15, which was developed and range of the performance indicators approved during the reporting period, linked to the goals. is focused on three key goals.

The Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 requires the ABC to set objectives and select indicators (Section 6(g)) and to monitor and evaluate the EEO program. (Section 6 (h)).

30 ABC Equity and Diversity Annual Report 2011–12 31 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY REPORT TO THE MINISTER FOR BROADBAND, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE DIGITAL ECONOMY