DIVERSITY & INCLUSION ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 2019 Contents

Planning and reporting context 4

About the ABC diversity and inclusion program 5

The year in review 8

Workforce diversity profile 8

Content Highlights 12

Performance 17

Gender 17

Disability 22

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Australians 25

Cultural and linguistic diversity 29

LGBTQI+ 32

2 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Contents 3 This page: Presenter Mark Coles Smith in front of mural art by Matt Adnate. Cover image: Waltzing the Dragon with Benjamin Law with Benjamin the Dragon Waltzing image: Cover Adnate. Matt art of mural by Smith in front Mark Coles This page: Presenter About the ABC diversity and inclusion program

“Representing the perspectives of Australia’s many communities in our content and services, and in our workforce, are values we are passionate about.” DAVID ANDERSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR

The ABC is required by its Charter to reflect the • to recruit, develop and retain a diverse cultural diversity of Australia in its many facets. workforce; In doing so, the Corporation seeks to encompass to foster a workplace culture that is inclusive, the rich and varied nature of Australian society • collaborative and accountable and leverages in both its workforce and its content, and to the talent and diversity of our people; increase awareness of the country’s broad range of communities and cultures. The ABC takes these • to reflect and represent the diversity of the Heywire competition winner Chanceline Kakule at ABC Melbourne responsibilities seriously and considers diversity a Australian community in our content and the strategic priority. services we provide. Planning and reporting context The ABC’s diversity and inclusion program is The Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2019-221 is available designed to eliminate discrimination and promote on the ABC's website. equality of opportunity for the diversity groups During the reporting period, the 2016-18 Plan The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is The EEO Act requires the ABC to promote equal identified in the EEO Act, and more broadly to reached its final year of implementation. The Year Australia’s national public broadcaster and was opportunity in employment across four designated achieve a diverse and inclusive ABC. Two key in Review and Performance sections contain an established as a statutory corporation under the groups: women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait elements of the program are the Diversity and overview of the ABC’s performance against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 (The Islander people, people from a non-English Inclusion Plan and the ABC Reconciliation goals and targets set out in the 2016-18 Plan. ABC Act). The ABC Act, which includes the ABC speaking background (NESB) and people with Action Plan. Charter, sets out the functions and duties of the disability. Corporation. The Charter requires the Corporation ABC Reconciliation Action Plan This report is made under the provisions of section ABC Diversity and Inclusion Plan to provide content that contributes to a sense of 9(2) of the EEO Act and provides an overview of the (RAP) national identity, reflects the cultural diversity In August 2019, a new Diversity and Inclusion Plan ABC’s diversity profile and performance against of the Australian community and takes account was approved by the Managing Director and the The Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2016–18 has the four designated groups in the EEO Act. The of the multicultural character of the Australian Leadership Team, covering the period 1 September been developed in accordance with Reconciliation report also features key content and initiatives community. 2019 to 31 August 2022. The new Plan provides a Australia’s RISE (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate) relevant to the Corporation’s broader diversity and three-year strategic roadmap to guide the ABC in framework. It commits the ABC to objectives and As a Commonwealth authority employer, the ABC is inclusion commitments under the ABC Charter. The further developing its diverse and inclusive culture, actions that acknowledge and value Aboriginal bound by the provisions of the Equal Employment report covers the period from 1 September 2018 to with a workforce profile, content offering and and Torres Strait Islander people and Indigenous Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 31 August 2019. services that reflect the diversity of the Australian heritage and culture. These objectives include 1987 (EEO Act), the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, community. increasing employment opportunities and the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the Australian developing content that is about, created by, Human Rights Commission Act 1986, the Disability The Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2019-22 is built or features Indigenous Australians. All actions Discrimination Act 1992, the Age Discrimination Act around the ABC’s vision of “looking and sounding outlined in the Corporation’s Stretch RAP are 2004 and the Fair Work Act 2009. like Australia today” and sets out clear approaches monitored for progress by the Bonner Committee, to achieve the following strategic goals: the ABC’s primary advisory and representative body on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, content and communities.

1. http://about.abc.net.au/report-publications/diversity-and-inclusion-plan-2019-22/

4 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 About the ABC diversity and inclusion program 5 In 2018-19, the Bonner Committee developed a respect and inclusion at the ABC and to ensure new Elevate RAP which received endorsement equitable access for all. The team also facilitates from Reconciliation Australia. An Elevate RAP is the DISC and Bonner Committee activities and for organisations with a proven track record of is responsible for monitoring and reporting on embedding effective RAP initiatives, and who progress against the RAP and Diversity & Inclusion are ready to take on a leadership position to Plan, using the performance measures identified in advance national reconciliation. There are unique both Plans. requirements, expectations and processes to consider prior to commencement of an Elevate Monitoring performance RAP. To ensure these requirements were appropriately considered and incorporated, Workforce the Stretch RAP 2016-18 was extended until 31 All new employees are asked to complete an Equal August 2019. The new Elevate RAP 2019 – 22 will be Employment Opportunity (EEO) questionnaire launched in November 2019. related to gender, disability, language and culture, with answers provided on a voluntary basis. Each Governance and responsibility quarter a summary of EEO statistics is provided The ABC has established a governance structure to divisions for information and progress of their to guide and track its approach and ensure top- diversity representation. down accountability for diversity and inclusion outcomes across the Corporation. With the support of the ABC Board, the ABC’s Managing Director At the end of the 2018-19 reporting and Leadership Team hold overall responsibility period, 76.7% of all employees2 for the Diversity and Inclusion program, with had elected to complete the EEO appropriate targets and strategies included in questionnaire, an increase from 73.9% their performance objectives. Regular reporting to the Board will occur. in 2017-18.

The Diversity & Inclusion Standing Committee During the reporting period, the Indigenous, (DISC) Diversity and Inclusion team conducted a review of the EEO data collection process to reflect the The DISC supports and makes recommendations A still from 'The Unlisted' on diversity and inclusion matters to the ABC objective of the new Diversity and Inclusion Plan Leadership Team. It is co-chaired by two directors and to improve the response rate which had been and is composed of senior representatives of the declining. The review focussed on the content of Working in partnership... largest public broadcaster, the ABC’s position and ABC divisions, the chairs of the ABC’s employee the EEO questionnaire, the method of collection actions on diversity are likely to have a significant The ABC continues to be a member of several network groups and a representative of the and the methodology to classify responses into the impact on the wider industry. The Corporation key national diversity organisations, including Bonner Committee. In 2018-19, members of the DISC EEO Act designated groups. regularly works in partnership with a broad range the Diversity Council of Australia, the Leadership oversaw the development of the new Diversity and of organisations on diversity initiatives, including Council on Cultural Diversity, the Australian Inclusion Plan 2019-22 and met regularly to review Content Screen Australia, the Victorian Multicultural Network on Disability, Pride in Diversity and the progress against the ABC’s diversity and inclusion The ABC regularly assesses its on-air content to Commission and Media Diversity Australia. The NSW Equal Employment Opportunity Practitioners’ commitments, share best practice and identify measure the representation of diverse groups. This Year in Review and Performance sections contain Association (NEEOPA). These memberships allow solutions where needed. includes looking at what is visible – presenters, further details on these partnership initiatives. actors and contributors and the stories and the Corporation to keep up to date and to have access to advice and expertise on external equity, The ABC is also an active member of the Screen The Indigenous, Diversity & Inclusion Team topics covered – as well as the composition of diversity and inclusion best practices. Diversity and Inclusion Network (SDIN). The SDIN The ABC has a specialist team within its People and creative and production teams behind the scenes. works with Australia’s screen industry to improve Culture Division that provides expert advice and Tracking diversity serves as an awareness-raising the diversity of the talent that shapes Australian support in implementing the RAP and the Diversity tool, encouraging teams to seek out new voices … and engaging the media content, and the types of stories that are reflected & Inclusion Plan. The team works closely with ABC and devise new strategies to prevent and, where industry on screens. For more information about the SDIN divisions, the employee networks groups and necessary address under-representation in ABC and the work it is doing visit the SDIN website3. The ABC is committed to a more inclusive and external partners to promote a culture of diversity, content. diverse Australian media sector. As Australia’s

2. excluding casual employees. 3. https://www.sdin.com.au/

6 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 About the ABC diversity and inclusion program 7 The year in review Highlights

Workforce diversity profile* 32% F M 8.7% of ABC NESB employees 54.1% Women OVERSEAS employees in executive roles 18 45.8% Men** NT who took 114 QLD parental WA 402 204 SA leave in the 255 NSW reporting 2,096 VIC ACT period were 655 166 48.6% men TAS 127 of women in 9.4% executive NESB employees 4037 total in content maker roles ABC employees roles

2% 5.2% 65 Years+ 3% Under 25 Years employees 14% with disability Chinese 55-65 Years 26% 55.1% (including Mandarin and 25-35 Years Cantonese) remains the most of women employed in common non-English language content maker roles spoken at home by ABC 26% employees 45-55 Years

29% *All numbers and percentages based 35-45 Years on total headcount, excluding casual employees. Data as 31.08.2019. The 13.5% Performance section contains more Age profile of employees detailed data. **0.1% of ABC employees identified as from non- gender diverse. ABC employees 2.8% Median age of ABC employees Indigenous English Female: 40.2 y/o speaking Male: 43.7 y/o employees backgrounds (NESB) 8 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 The year in review 9 A still from 'The Unlisted'

During the reporting period, the ABC’s Stretch RAP and Equity and Diversity Plan 2016-18 reached their final year of implementation.

The Corporation made substantial progress in At the end of August 2019, the ABC had a gender- implementing the strategies set out in these plans. balanced workforce and leadership, had met its Throughout the Plans, targeted development disability target, and had made considerable opportunities and tools were provided to managers progress in increasing the representation of and staff to support the diversity of the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in its Policies, information and training promoting workforce. However, the Corporation fell short of its positive workplace behaviour were delivered targets for the representation of NESB employees. across the Corporation. In light of this outcome, the Equity & Diversity Plan Diversity days of significance such as the 2016-18 was extended to allow the ABC to reassess International Day of People with Disability, its approach. As part of this reassessment, and International Women’s Day, Harmony Day and the with a new Managing Director and Chair having International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, been appointed, the Corporation has developed Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) were a new Diversity and Inclusion Plan for 2019-22. The recognised and celebrated annually through online plan will be launched in September 2019 and will communications, events with guest speakers, provide a three-year strategic roadmap to guide social events, screenings and other activities. the ABC in further developing its diverse, inclusive culture, with a workforce profile, content offering The Corporation embraced the strategies of and services that reflect the diversity of the the Stretch RAP. Extensive work, undertaken Australian community. throughout the duration of the Plan focused on the rollout of the Indigenous cultural awareness The ABC Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2019-224 covers program; events during NAIDOC Week; new the period 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2022 and initiatives aimed at increasing Indigenous content is available on the ABC's website. and participation on-air and online, as well as a raft of recruitment, development and retention activity, aimed at increasing the representation of Indigenous employees across the ABC.

Major initiatives also included the launch of the first ABC-sponsored employee network group ABC Pride and a range of professional development programs, mentoring arrangements and work placements for under-represented groups.

4. http://about.abc.net.au/report-publications/diversity-and-inclusion-plan-2019-22/

10 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 The year in review 11 Content Highlights

Coverage of the Invictus Games raised awareness Writers of Mustangs FC the ABC ME comedy drama Discussion program The Drum continued to iview drama Wrong Kind of Black won the Grand of adaptive sport and mental health issues. about an all-girls’ soccer team, won an Australian broaden the diversity of its panels by actively Jury Award at the 2019 Melbourne WebFest and Writers’ Guild Awards. seeking to bring expertise from diverse scored a nomination for the 2019 International participants across culture, religion, politics, Emmy Awards for its compelling portrayal of the socio-economics and physical abilities. life of Indigenous DJ Boori Monty Pryor.

The ABC maintained its strong commitment to Simon Royal from the ABC Adelaide newsroom won Serial drama The Heights has become the industry Multi award-winning series You Can’t Ask That diverse on-air casts with its new drama series a journalism award in the Mental Health Service leader in nurturing new Australian talent in front of continued to reach new audiences and was Diary of an Uber Driver. Awards of Australia and New Zealand for his report and behind the camera. It’s first series attained honoured with the Walkley Award for Media The Boy Who Disappeared. gender parity across the cast and crew, while Diversity for episodes sharing the experiences of two-thirds of the core ensemble were from diverse deaf people, African Australians and intersex backgrounds. people.

In July 2019, the ABC’s Editorial Policy team released a guidance note for content makers reporting on disability5. The note was informed by an 76% of respondents believe the ABC reflects the cultural advisory group comprised of staff with lived experience of disability. It is diversity of the Australian community.* available from the ABC's website.

5. https://edpols.abc.net.au/guidance/reporting-and-portraying-disability-in-abc-content/ *Source: ABC Corporate Tracking Study

12 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 The year in review 13 ABC Life group photo

Looking and sounding like achieved industry recognition through the Michael Gordon Social Justice Fellowship, which led to an Australia today: ABC Life ABC Life series exploring the lives of refugees in ABC Life reached its one-year milestone in August regional Australia. In June 2019, Luke Wong’s article 2019 with over 1.2 million monthly users onsite ‘Where are you really from?’ How to navigate this and audience surveys indicating that the digital question of race and identity and its accompanying platform resonates with Australians across both video were used by the Australian Human Rights metropolitan and regional areas as well as those Commission in its guide on how to conduct with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) conversations about racism. and non-CALD backgrounds. These strong audience outcomes were made possible by forging new ways of working that built on the existing talents of ABC “We know that Australia’s population staff and teams that have long-prioritised diversity is continuously changing, and this in their storytelling. means we need multiple efforts and constant vigilance to reflect the “Public service media exists to benefit breadth of stories in towns, cities and everyone. This is why ABC Life often suburbs across Australia. We always ‘passes the mic’ to audience members wanted ABC Life to seek diversity both and contributors so they can tell their in our staffing and storytelling. We story in ways that are right for them.” knew this would be more conducive to an environment of innovation In 2018-19, ABC Life covered a broad range of and enable people to do their best lifestyle and wellbeing topics, with editorial themes including mental health and wellbeing, work. Striving for diversity requires personal finance literacy, rights at work, race outreach, it requires challenging relations and discrimination, cyber safety and assumptions and holding a space social isolation. where different perspectives can play Content highlights included Hey Stranger, a out safely and productively. When four-part digital video series that featured we acknowledge and guide through conversations between Indigenous and CALD Australians about everyday life topics and a moments, we’re brought closer Background Briefing investigation by Osman Faruqi to looking and sounding more like into online abuse, which became a finalist in the contemporary Australia.” 2019 mid-year Walkley Awards and won a Kennedy SCOTT SPARK, ABC LIFE LEAD Award. Reporter Grace Jennings-Edquist also

14 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 The year in review 15 Performance

Gender

Representation of employees by • The overall number of women employees in the ABC workforce slightly exceeds the number of gender in the workforce male employees. This is reflective of the gender The ABC has made significant efforts to achieve a profile of the Australian population where gender-balanced workforce and has experienced women outnumber men. considerable success: • Women now make up six of the ABC’s nine Board The ABC’s people and culture members. policies promote equal employment • The ABC reached gender parity in its executive opportunity for women and gender group in 2017. inclusive and non-discriminatory practices.

Gender distribution by occupational group

2019 2018

Women Men Total Women Men Total

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

Executive 136 48.6% 144 51.4% 280 149 49.3% 153 50.7% 302

Administrative/ 433 74.4% 148 25.4% 582 460 74.0% 162 26.0% 622 Professional

Content Maker 1556 55.1% 1267 44.8% 2825 1521 54.2% 1283 45.7% 2805

Technologist 58 16.6% 291 83.1% 350 71 18.6% 308 80.8% 381

Total 2183 54.1% 1850 45.8% 4037 2201 53.6% 1906 46.4% 4110

Note: A new gender diverse category was introduced in 2018. At the end of the reporting period, 0.1% of ABC employees identified as gender diverse. Numbers and percentage based on total head count, excluding casual employees within occupational group. Data as at 31.08.19.

Celebrating International Women's Day 2019 are ABC staffers Linda Marigliano Fran Kelly and, Myf Warhurst

16 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 17 Paula Kruger Paula Gender distribution by occupational group Women in leadership The ABC continued to develop the leadership talents of its female employees to ensure it Given the focus on the gender composition of maintains its momentum in improving the Boards and executive position in the Australian representation of women across all levels of corporate sector, the ABC is proud to have achieved leadership. During the reporting period, the rate Senior Executive gender parity in its executive group. of participation by women employees in the ABC’s leadership development programs exceeded 50% In February 2019, Ita Buttrose was appointed as Administrative / in all four main courses. Professional ABC Chair, the second woman to ever hold that position after Dame Leonie Kramer. Content Maker LEADERSHIP PROGRAM WOMEN MEN Activate Your Leadership / 51% 48.5% Foundations of Leadership Technologist Accelerate Your Leadership 65% 35% 020406080100 P

Note: A new gender diverse category was introduced in 2018. At the end of the reporting period, 0.1% of ABC employees identified as gender diverse. Percentage of total head count, excluding casual employees. Data as at 31.08.19.

Women in technology Helen Clifton, the ABC’s Chief Digital & Information Officer participated in a panel In line with workforce participation in the IT sector, discussion at the 2019 Women in Media and International Women's Day celebrations at ABC Sydney. Moderated by Drum host Ellen Fanning the ABC’s technologist group employed high Technology Breakfast, where she discussed with guests Manda Hatter, Nakkiah Lui, Kumi Taguchi and Judith Whelan proportions of men. The ABC had a target of 20% the importance of female role models and technologist positions to be filled by women by the how women can accelerate their career within end of 2018. Various measures were introduced to the media and entertainment technology achieve this goal such as the use of gender-neutral community. wording in job advertisements and mandatory gender-mixed recruitment panels.

Although the Corporation came close to meeting its target - the representation of women technologist peaked at 19.1% in September 2019 – there is still more work to be done to increase women’s representation in this typically male- dominated area. The Diversity & Inclusion plan 2019- 22 includes new strategies to achieve this goal.

18 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 19 Gender pay equity annual gender pay equity analysis and to review Women’s contribution ABC News’ 50:50 Project its approach to gender pay equity each year. The To address gender imbalance in daily news The ABC is committed to identifying and regular assessment of gender pay information On 8 March 2019, the ABC celebrated International reporting, the ABC initiated a pilot program addressing any gender pay equity gaps. The allows the ABC to identify any gender pay gaps and Women’s Day across the country with internal modelled on the BBC’s 50:50 project, with Corporation has undertaken to carry out an develop and implement strategies to address them. events and specialised programming across all content-makers using a simplified data platforms. The ABC’s Sydney office hosted a panel collection system, measuring the stories and Gender distribution within salary ranges discussion moderated by Ellen Fanning with guests talent they control, and discussing the gender Kumi Taguchi, Manda Hatter, Nakkiah Lui and Judith data in daily editorial meetings. At the time of Whelan, which was available for viewing live in ABC reporting, the pilot teams had enthusiastically offices across all locations. Melbourne enjoyed embraced the project which was being rolled $112,656 and above a morning tea and featured a preview of their out across the division. $99,597 – $112,656 one-hour show, Long Story Short, which was the “Women represent more than half the $89,164 – $99,596 brainchild of ABC Radio Melbourne and featured four prominent Australians exploring the roles population of Australia and we have an $80,038 – $89,163 all people have in achieving gender equality. ABC obligation to represent as wide a variety of $72,923 – $80,037 officers in Darwin, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth all their views as possible, and ensure our stories $63,556 – $72,922 hosted special guests and held morning teas or speak to them on topics and issues that are important to them.” $56,587 – $63,555 lunches to celebrate the event with employees. $49,546 – $56,586 $49,545 and below 020406080100

P

Note: A new gender diverse category was introduced in 2018. At the end of the reporting period, 0.1% of ABC employees identified as gender diverse. Percentage of total head count, excluding casual employees, based on full time equivalent salary ranges. Data as at 31.08.19.

Flip Prior and Rhiannon Hobbins Work-life balance At the end of the reporting period, there Workplace flexibility is a key enabler of attracting and retaining women in the workforce and were 455 female and 93 in leadership positions. The ABC Enterprise male employees working Agreement 2016-2019 includes provisions for a on a part-time basis. range of flexible working conditions including:

• flexible hours • part-time work and job sharing In 2018-19, 166 women and 78 men took leave • carer’s leave relating to parental and • purchased leave partner support. • paid maternity leave • dad and supporting partner leave • unpaid parental leave • leave without pay

20 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 21 Disability Workplace access The ABC consults its employees to ensure that workplace access issues are identified and addressed. In 2018-19, the Corporation provided In 2018–19, the ABC continued to provide employment accessible working environments in building and opportunities for people with disability, as well as support workstations and support for employees with alternative workplace needs, including special in the workplace. The ABC is a member of the Australian software and modified equipment. Accessibility features were also incorporated the ABC’s internal Network on Disability, a national disability eLearning programs for employees. peak organisation. Mental health in the workplace The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all ABC employees and their Regional Storyteller Scholarship Recipient of 2018, Eliza Hull People with disability in the ABC As part of the ABC’s commitment to immediate family members. The EAP service workforce disability inclusion, the Diversity & is provided by Converge International and comprises confidential short-term counselling “Through the wonderful contributions Inclusion Plan 2019-22 will see the At the end of the reporting period, the ABC service for a broad range of personal and of our first Regional Storyteller launch of a new policy under which work-related issues. In 2018-19, ABC staff were employed 157 employees who identified as Scholarship recipient, we have been experiencing disability. This represented 5.2% job candidates who identify as provided with access to additional dedicated able to bring audiences stories of employees who provided EEO data. While the living with disability and meet the telephone helplines offering specialised Corporation had exceeded its one-time target support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander about disability, produced by people key requirement of the role will be of a workforce with 5% representation of people peoples, LGBTQI, Domestic & Family Violence, with disability. Stories that would with disability, there has been a decrease in the guaranteed an interview. Eldercare, and Disability and Carers. representation of ABC employees living with otherwise not have been told.” disability, from 5.7% in August 2017 to 5.2% in JUDITH WHELAN, DIRECTOR OF ABC August 2018. Recruitment and pipeline REGIONAL & LOCAL activities for people with In 2018-19, ABC Children’s Play School continued Distribution of people with disability by ABC occupational group • disability to support the Createability initiative with a 4-week internship for a screen practitioner with 2019 2018 In 2018-19, the ABC provided employment disability. Createability is a partnership between information and hosted tours for various disability the ABC, Create NSW and Accessible Arts. Employees with Employees who Employees with Employees who organisations such as the Northern Illawarra disability provided EEO data disability provided EEO data Parkinsons Group or Hear For You, a charity that • This year, the ABC and Screen Australia Occupational Group No. % No. % No. % No. % offers mentoring programs and workshops to deaf launched DisRupted, an initiative dedicated to or hard of hearing teenagers all over Australia. support and showcase the best of Australia’s Executive 11 5.0 222 79.3 12 4.9% 243 80.5% next generation of content makers with The Corporation also continued its partnerships Administrative/Professional 31 6.3 492 84.5 36 7.2% 500 80.4% disability. DisRupted will fund three to four and collaborations with media and government individuals or teams to make a standalone Content Maker 96 4.7 2045 72.4 105 5.3% 1975 70.4% agencies as well as disability organisations to film each, telling a story that captures the create opportunities for content makers with Technologist 19 6.9 277 79.1 20 6.8% 296 77.7% experience of a person with disability living in disability. Australia today, for the ABC ME audience. Total 157 5.2 3036 75.2 173 5.7% 3014 73.3% • The Regional Storyteller Scholarship now in its Number and percentage based on total head count, non-casual employees within occupational group who provided second year, provides opportunities to emerging information on the ABC’s EEO Data Collection Form indicating they have a disability. Employees with EEO data represents total head count, non-casual employees, who completed the disability section of the EEO Data Collection Form—both those who content makers with disability from regional and have a disability and those who do not have a disability. Data as at 31.08.19. rural Australia. The scholarship enabled its inaugural winner Eliza Hull to produce a series on parenting with a disability, We’ve Got This, which explored the complexities and challenged the stereotypes of parenting with a disability. In April 2019, a partnership with the Australian Government enabled two further scholarships to be offered in 2019 and 2020.

22 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 23 Accessible content and services Online accessibility Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Australians During the reporting period, the ABC continued its commitment to providing accessible digital The ABC wants all Australians to experiences for people with vision, hearing, Indigenous Australians in the have access to career development plans, mentors be able to enjoy and experience its mobility and cognitive limitations. The ABC and scholarships while non-Indigenous employees followed Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, ABC workforce are invited to undertake Indigenous cultural content, products and services. international standards and uses research, internal When the Stretch RAP was launched in 2016, awareness training. practices and audience feedback to help make Indigenous employees made up 2.3% of all ABC The following table illustrates the representation better decisions regarding online accessibility. In Captioning services employees. At the end of the reporting period, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2018-19, several ABC News websites were updated In 2018-19, the ABC continued to provide captioning Indigenous representation in the ABC workforce occupational group. The content maker group has to improve accessibility including Q&A and Media services for people who are deaf or who have had increased to 2.8%. the highest proportion of Indigenous employees, Watch. Other web pages were relaunched with hearing impairments. Captioning delivers onscreen which is significant as content making is the improved accessibility, including TV Education, Progress in Indigenous employment was achieved text describing speech and scenes, and closed core business of the ABC. Most importantly, Behind the News, regional radio networks and the through close monitoring of divisional targets, captioning indicates that text is available when all ABC content teams have senior editorial Reception Advice Line. varied employment opportunities, creative people need it. During the reporting period, the advertising methods and partnerships and managers responsible for overseeing Indigenous ABC captioned 99.9% of programs transmitted programming. Mobile applications retention strategies. ABC Indigenous employees on the main ABC TV channel between 6am and midnight. This was 0.1% below the required target Audiences often use apps on smart phones Distribution of Indigenous employees by occupational group of 100% as outlined in the Broadcast Services and tablet devices to watch, listen and read ABC content. During the reporting period key Amendment (Improved Access to Television 2019 2018 Services) Act 2012. The shortfall was due to developments were made to improve the ABC app- technical faults. user experience for everyone, including for people Occupational Group No. % No. % with disability. Executive 5 1.8% 4 1.3%

In September 2018, ABC News Administrative/Professional 22 3.8% 24 3.9% The ABC delivered superior captioning broadcast a special half hour bulletin Content Maker 79 2.8% 81 2.9% for the live daily television show with live AUSLAN signing as part of the Invictus Games Today co-hosted by Technologist 7 2.0% 8 2.1% inaugural UN sanctioned International disability advocate and wheelchair Total 113 2.8% 117 2.8% Day of Signed Languages and the tennis champion Dylan Alcott. Note: Number and percentage based on total head count, excluding casual employees, within occupational group. Data as at National Week of Deaf People. 31.08.19.

Invictus Games with Dylan Alcott

OS

2% NT 8% QL D WA 9% 12% SA 6% NSW Distribution of 53% VIC ACT Indigenous 3% 4%

employees by TAS State/Territory 4%

24 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 25 First Indigenous Foreign Correspondent Through co-productions, the Entertainment and Cultural awareness and • In support of National Reconciliation Week the In September 2018, former National Indigenous Specialist division provides employment for ABC continued to promote the need to build Affairs Correspondent, Bridget Brennan made Indigenous content makers and actors. As part community connection respectful relationships between Indigenous history by being the first Indigenous employee of the ABC’s commitment to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This included to be appointed as an ABC News Foreign talent, all productions commissioned by ABC extensive content across ABC platforms and Correspondent. Indigenous must include an Indigenous writer and “In 2019 and beyond, the ABC a range of reconciliation activities around the director as a minimum requirement. is committed to ensuring Australians country on 2019 theme, ‘Grounded in Truth, from all walks of life embrace Walk Together with Courage’, with participation by ABC employees and local Indigenous Indigenous Staff Conference Indigenous cultures and stories community members. In July 2019, the ABC held its latest Indigenous in their lives.” As part of NAIDOC week 2019, the ABC ran Staff Conference in Wollongong, New South • DAVID ANDERSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR content across all platforms showcasing Wales with over 100 employees attending stories from and about Aboriginal and Torres from a range of locations and divisions. The During the reporting period, a range of activities Strait Islander peoples while ABC offices conference was centered around the key and events were held across the country to raise across the country held special staff events theme of “Grounded in Truth, Walk Together awareness of Indigenous culture and to connect and gatherings. Throughout the week, the ABC with Courage”, which highlighted the ABC’s with communities. homepage (abc.net.au) featured only Indigenous Bridget Brennan expanded commitment to reconciliation and design, stories and programming in the giving Indigenous staff and communities • The ABC works in partnership with Jawun, a non- Corporation first homepage “blackout”. a voice. During the conference, Indigenous profit organisation that places skilled people employees from across Australia had the from the corporate and public sectors with a Recruitment and career NAIDOC week content featured the debut opportunity to network with other employees, range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of Play School’s Aboriginal doll Kiya in an development provide input to the ABC’s Indigenous partner organisations. In 2018-19, ABC journalist and producer Phillippa McDonald, Marketing Acknowledgement of Country episode. In 2018–19, the ABC continued its membership of planning and activities, participate in career Specialist Xenica Ayling; News Operations the Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group development sessions and engage with senior Specialist Daniel Bonica and Acquisitions which includes broadcasters, government media management and Indigenous leaders. Business Manager Naomi Edwards completed agencies, Indigenous organisations and trade a six-week secondment with Indigenous associations, and works to create opportunities for At the end of the conference, ABC Indigenous organisations in South Australia and Western Indigenous people working in the media. Staff Scholarships valued at up to $10,000 each were awarded to support staff with their career Australia. During the reporting period, the ABC appointed a development. The Chair and Managing Director Indigenous cultural awareness training total of 12 Indigenous interns through programs • presented the 2019 scholarships to ABC Me To create a more inclusive workplace for such as the ABC News Cadetship, the Caroline Jones Producer Jamie Lee Bolger and Business Affairs Indigenous employees, non-Indigenous Scholarship, the Indigenous Cadetship Scheme and Executive Jannali Jones. Long service awards employees are invited to learn about the the Entertainment and Specialist Internship. At the for Indigenous staff were also presented to contemporary challenges that affect end of the reporting period, nine Indigenous interns some of the ABC’s longest-serving Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were in the process of completing their programs staff, who were recognised for years-of-service and explore ways in which they can contribute and three had been offered full-time paid work with ranging from 10 years to 30 years. to reconciliation. At the end of the reporting the ABC. period, over a quarter of the ABC workforce Daniel Browning’s radio and web had taken part in the Indigenous cultural series Word Up celebrates the awareness training. extraordinary linguistic diversity of • 2019 Year of Indigenous Languages Australia’s First People. To celebrate the International Year of Indigenous Languages, the ABC and First Languages Australia partnered on two initiatives: the 2019 Indigenous Language Song Competition which enables school children across the country to support and sustain the languages and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders; and This Place, a digital initiative that invites Indigenous Australians to create short videos sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, history and cultures. David Anderson and Ita Buttrose with the recipients of the 2019 ABC Indigenous scholarships

26 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 27 • The ABC is the official media partner of the “First Nations’ people have always been Garma Festival. In August 2019, ABC crews storytellers, it’s how we have passed down our Cultural and linguistic diversity travelled to the Northern Territory to cover knowledge for millennia, it’s the stories of my stories of Indigenous culture and broadcast own family’s strength and survival that inspire Cultural and linguistic diversity occupational groups. The ABC had set itself targets a range of programs live from the festival me to do what I do.” of 15% executive and (up to) 12% content maker including The Drum, Behind the News, and RN Isabella Higgins, ABC News’ Indigenous Affairs in the workforce positions to be filled by employees from a non- Drive. In addition to its Garma coverage, the ABC reporter and Walkley Award winner Cultural and linguistic diversity (CALD) in the ABC English speaking background by the end of 2018. worked with the Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF) workforce is measured in relation to the number At the end of the reporting period, the Corporation to deliver media training to the Youth Forum of people from non-English speaking backgrounds fell short of these targets. While the representation participants. (NESB) in line with the EEO Act. In 2018-19, the of content makers from non-English speaking ABC achieved a modest increase in regard to the backgrounds increased to 9.4% in the content representation of employees from non-English maker group, the representation of employees speaking backgrounds in its workforce. Of those from a non-English speaking background in the employees who completed the ABC’s voluntary EEO executive group decreased to 8.7%. questionnaire, 13.5% identified as NESB at the end The Corporation remains committed to increasing of the reporting period (compared with 13.4% at the the representation of employees with backgrounds same time in 2018). in different cultures and languages in its workforce. Employees from non-English speaking backgrounds The Diversity & Inclusion plan 2019-22 includes new are not spread evenly across the various strategies to achieve this goal. Supplier diversity For the financial year ended 30 June 2018, the 2019 2018 ABC achieved 3.8% of eligible procurement Employees Employees Employees Employees with Indigenous suppliers, exceeding the RAP with NESB with EEO data with NESB with EEO data target for the third consecutive year and ahead of the 2020 Commonwealth deadline. This year, Occupational Group No. % No. % No. % No. % the Corporation also entered into contracts Executive 20 8.7 231 82.5 25 10.2 246 81.5 with Indigenous suppliers involving Administrative/ 106 21.3 498 85.6 106 21.1 503 80.9 $3.5 million expenditure in future Professional financial years. Content Maker 196 9.4 2088 73.9 180 9.0 1992 71.0 Senior Leader Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM and ABC Phillipa McDermott at the 2019 Garma Festival Technologist 97 34.8 279 79.7 97 32.8 296 77.7

Total 419 13.5 3096 76.7 408 13.4 3037 73.9

Numbers and percentages based on total head count, excluding casual employees, within occupational group, who provided information on the ABC’s EEO data collection form regarding their non-English speaking background. Employees with EEO data represents total head count, excluding casual employees who completed the language section of the EEO data collection form including people from both English speaking and non-English speaking backgrounds. Data as at 31.08.19.

In 2018-19, the main languages of ABC employees who completed the voluntary EEO survey and nominated their non-English speaking language background were:

— — — — 12.8% 7% 6.3% 4.5% Chinese* German French Vietnamese

*including Mandarin — — — and Cantonese 10.6% 6.5% 4.5% Italian Greek Arabic

28 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 29

Pipeline activities Nikki Tran and Davey Thompson are the Local Radio ABC’s international services inaugural recipients of the Victorian Screen In 2018-19, ABC local stations and bureaux The ABC’s international services not only In 2018-19, the ABC continued to sponsor Development Internships, which will give them continued to celebrate and support the diversity of reach audiences overseas with Australian opportunities for culturally and linguistically access to leading production teams at the their local communities by attending festivals and news, current affairs, entertainment diverse talent in areas of under-representation. ABC, Film Victoria and the ABC’s production events throughout the year. ABC Radio Canberra’s and cultural programs but also improve Across the Corporation, work was undertaken in partners. Afternoons program broadcast from the opening engagement with culturally and linguistically conjunction with external organisations to engage, day of the National Multicultural Festival, while diverse people living in Australia. attract and recruit people from culturally and ABC Radio Sydney continued its partnership with linguistically diverse backgrounds. Africultures, a festival showcasing the best of The team employs a high number of culturally • The Australian Film Television and Radio School African culture in Australia. and linguistically diverse talent, whose broad (AFTRS) and ABC’s Selwyn Speight Scholarship range of language skills is essential to reach is awarded annually to an outstanding Radio and engage its audiences. Content in Chinese, student from a diverse cultural, ethnic, or socio- Bahasa Indonesia, and Tok Pisin is produced economic background. daily for distribution across various platforms including the ABC News app, ABC News The 2019 Selwyn Speight Scholarship was website, ABC Radio Australia website, and awarded to Sudanese refugee Natal Jimma who social media channels such as Weibo has over five years’ experience at university and WeChat. and community radio stations in Australia. This year, the ABC embarked on a new partnership with the Asian Leadership Project, an initiative dedicated to advance Asian and culturally diverse talent into leadership positions. As part of its membership, ABC employees have access to professional development events designed and facilitated with cultural awareness and sensitivities in mind.

Raising awareness On 21 March 2019, Harmony Day was promoted through internal communications channels and social events in Melbourne and Sydney. In Sydney, The Victorian Multicultural Commission - ABC • the People and Culture and ABC International Internship Program supports young journalists divisions co-hosted an event to recognise and and storytellers from culturally diverse celebrate the cultural diversity of the ABC backgrounds to gain critical experience in the workforce. media industry and contribute to more inclusive media narratives. Engaging with culturally • In April 2019, the ABC and Film Victoria, with Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures and linguistically diverse launched the Victorian Screen Development communities Internships which provides career pathways The ABC Advisory Council provides advice to the for creative talent from Indigenous and diverse Board on matters relating to the Corporation’s backgrounds. broadcasting programs. A key focus of the Advisory council has been to identify ways the ABC can better engage with culturally and linguistically diverse audiences and members typically represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and have deep connections to the communities they represent. This year, the Advisory Council welcomed three new members: Josephine Buontempo, Sarah Curran and Jason Li. Comedian Jennifer Wong shares lucky Lunar New Year food

30 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 31 LGBTQI+ ABC Gayla and Pride Strategy Launch In June 2019, ABC Pride held its inaugural Gayla and Strategy Launch in Ultimo, Sydney. Comedian and MC Zoe Coombs Marr welcomed over The ABC strives to be a leading media organisation for 200 ABC employees, on-air presenters and senior executives as ABC LGBTQI+ inclusion. The Corporation is a member of Pride Pride launched its three-year strategy to support the representation in Diversity, Australia’s first and only not-for-profit and participation of LGBTQI+ people both on-air and behind the scenes. ABC Pride Chair Manda Hatter outlined some of the key initiatives to be employer support program for all aspects of LGBTQI+ undertaken, including: workplace inclusion. • LGBTQI inclusion within the ABC Mentoring Program;

• Starting in 2020, annual LGBTQI Awards to celebrate Best Community ABC Pride “IDAHOBIT day was a great opportunity Member, Best LGBTQI Ally, and Best LGBTQI Content and; to gather with our colleagues. As ABC Pride is an employee-led initiative that aims Proposed inclusion of Gender Transition Leave within the ABC’s EA. to promote LGBTQI+ inclusion in all aspects of the cliché goes, strangers became • the ABC and to offer support to all employees friends. There was great food and a lot For many employees, the Gayla was a moment to reflect on how far the of diverse sexualities and gender identities, and of laughter. There were also moments those with intersex variations. ABC Pride is chaired public broadcaster had come in supporting its LGBTQI+ employees. A video by ABC Head of Operations, Manda Hatter and for quieter reflection. People opened shared on the night included messages of support from staff in ABC offices sponsored by ABC Chief People Officer, Rebekah up and shared personal stories. For around the country, sharing the message, “Whoever you are, whoever you Donaldson. The group is open to all ABC employees me, it was a reminder that we work in love, you are welcome in our workplace.” and meets monthly to develop and implement an open and welcoming environment, initiatives that support the representation and Other highlights from the night included singer Kira Puru’s exquisite live set, which I am grateful for.” participation of LGBTQI+ people in ABC content, and a silent auction which raised over $4,000 for ABC Pride’s charity partner services and the workforce. HALINA BACZKOWSKI, CONTENT MAKER QLife, Australia’s only national telephone and web counselling service for

Since its creation in 2017, ABC Pride has grown to the LGBTQI community. include over 25 active committee members and hundreds more supporters across the Corporation. In 2018-19, ABC Pride further expanded its network of people and organised various social and networking events open to all employees. ABC Gayla and Pride Strategy launch with Fran Kelly, David Anderson, Leigh Sales and Jo Chichester • In December 2018, the Pride Committee hosted a morning tea bake off in Sydney and afternoon tea in Melbourne to celebrate the holiday season and LGBTQI+ diversity at the ABC.

• Rainbow lanyards were launched to coincide with the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

• On 17 May 2019, ABC employees around the country joined workplace events to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The events celebrated the ABC’s diverse and inclusive workforce, and its proud history of supporting LGBTQI employees and content.

32 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 33 workshop as part of the Garmaworkshop festival as part Youth Forum This page: ABC Pride IDAHOBIT event in Perth, June 2019. Back image: in the ABC’s digital Students participating storytelling

LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion The AWEI is a national benchmark on LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion that drives best practice In December 2018, members of the People and in Australia. In March 2019, the ABC lodged its Culture division in Ultimo undertook LGBTQI+ second AWEI submission. The results of the index Awareness training. The training was delivered have provided the ABC with valuable feedback on in partnership with Pride in Diversity, it aimed to progress, what is being done well and areas for provide participants with an overall understanding improvement. They set a benchmark going forward of why LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion is important which was used to determine the priorities and to an organisation as well as to provide a level of actions for the first ABC Pride strategy launched in comfort around terminology, explore challenges June 2019. often faced by LGBTQI+ employees and provide awareness on the impact that a culture has on the lived experiences of its employees.

ABC Pride Committee and Allies

34 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Performance 35 ABC Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report 2018–19 Equal Employment Opportunity Report to the Minister for Communications and the Arts

Published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2019 ISSN 1839-3292 (Print) ISSN 1839-9452 (Online)