DCA reveals 2025-2026 Inclusive Employers to mark Inclusion at Work Week
Diversity Council Australia
Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has announced the 2025–2026 Inclusive Employers, recognising organisations across the country for their commitment to building inclusive and equitable workplaces.
The announcement coincides with the start of Inclusion at Work Week (17–21 November 2025), an annual celebration of the progress Australian organisations are making to foster inclusive workplaces.
This year more than 80 organisations have been recognised as Inclusive Employers, reflecting their commitment to creating workplaces where everyone can feel valued, respected, and able to contribute.
Run in partnership with Cultural Infusion, the Inclusive Employer Index is Australia’s only inclusion index led by an independent peak body enabling organisations to measure, benchmark and report on workplace inclusion across nine diversity dimensions. Employers who exceed national benchmarks earn the title of DCA Inclusive Employer, which is recognised nationally as a benchmark for inclusive workplace practice.
“Our research continues to show that inclusion isn’t only the just thing to do. It’s essential to workplace performance and wellbeing,” said Catherine Hunter, CEO of Diversity Council Australia.
“It’s inspiring to see so many organisations taking meaningful action to create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Being an inclusive employer isn’t about meeting targets or ticking boxes, it’s about listening to your people, understanding their experiences, and building systems and cultures that enable everyone to contribute their best.
“The Inclusive Employer Index gives leaders the evidence and insights they need to drive real progress and make smarter, data-driven decisions about how to attract and retain talent, strengthen culture and boost performance. It provides a clear picture of what inclusion looks like in practice and where improvement is needed. These employers are showing that inclusion is not a one-off initiative, but an ongoing commitment that strengthens organisations and benefits everyone.”
Participation in the Index provides organisations with valuable insights into their employees’ experiences of inclusion and exclusion, along with benchmarking tools, data dashboards, and practical support resources.
See the full list of 2025-2026 Inclusive Employers.
Celebrating Inclusion at Work Week 2025
As Inclusion at Work Week (IAWW) begins, DCA is inviting all workplaces across Australia to join a national conversation about inclusion.
This year is also a significant milestone as DCA celebrates its 40th anniversary, providing an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to look ahead at the work still ahead to ensure everyone can thrive at work.
By sharing reflections online using the hashtag #InclusionAtWorkWeek and tagging DCA, workplaces can showcase their achievements, highlight inclusion champions, and inspire others to act.
Throughout the week, DCA will also run special education programs and release new resources for employers, including:
- The Case for Inclusion@Work 2025–2026 (Monday 17 November)
- Linguistic Bias at Work Guide (Wednesday 19 November – DCA members only)
- 2026 D&I Calendar (Friday 21 November).
Find out more ways to get involved by visiting DCA’s website.
You can access related imagery in this Dropbox folder.
Quotes from DCA’s 2025-2026 Inclusive Employers
Patty Kinnersly, CEO, Our Watch said:
“Our Watch is pleased to be recognised by the Diversity Council Australia as an Inclusive Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are respected and valued.
“Through our commitment to challenging gender inequality and intersecting forms of discrimination, we will continue to celebrate the diversity of our team and foster an inclusive working environment where all employees can thrive.”
Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia said:
“We are committed to creating an industry with a deep, inclusive talent pool that reflects the communities we serve. At the Property Council, we’re working to open doors and make sure talented people find their place, and can be themselves, wherever they come from.
“It is an honour to receive this recognition, and equally, we know there is much to be done to support our terrific members in our vital industry.”
Steven James, Head of Sustainability & DEIB, Future Group said:
“Inclusion is one of our core values at Future Group. We know our business thrives on diverse perspectives and experiences, but only when people feel empowered and safe to bring their whole selves to work.
“Our goal is for everyone who joins Future Group, regardless of background, to feel valued and supported. That’s what inclusion means to us. Our team is dedicated to driving DEIB forward and being named as a DCA Inclusive Employer is wonderful recognition for all their hard work.”
Charles Sweeney, Managing Partner, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers said:
“Taking part in the DCA Inclusive Employer Index provides us with valuable feedback from our team and helps us compare our inclusion efforts and measure our performance against other Australian organisations.
“We are proud that Cooper Grace Ward is recognised once again among Australia’s leading organisations and we congratulate those who have excelled in fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces.”
Lorna MacGregor, CEO, Lifeline WA said:
"At Lifeline WA, inclusion and diversity are fundamental to who we are and how we serve our community. Every day, we see how the diversity of our people strengthens our organisation, bringing a range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas that help us grow, learn, and work towards our vision of a Western Australian community free of suicide.
“Being recognised as an Inclusive Employer for the second year in a row demonstrates our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported – fostering the mental wellbeing of our team and empowering them to provide compassionate, effective support to those in need."
Said Jahani, CEO, Grant Thornton said:
“Being recognised once again by the Diversity Council of Australia as an Inclusive Employer is a proud moment for Grant Thornton. This honour reflects the deep commitment across our firm to creating a workplace where every voice is valued and every individual feels they belong.
“It’s a testament to the culture we’ve built together - one that celebrates diversity and aims to support inclusion every day. I’m especially grateful to the hundreds of people across our firm who took part in the Inclusive Employer Index survey, and to those leading our PRISM, DAWN, and GEN network groups, as well as our Culture and Race Advisory Group and Reconciliation Action Plan steering committee. Your passion and dedication continue to shape a more inclusive future for our people and our profession.”
Brad Joyce, CEO, Teachers Health said:
“We’re proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2025–2026 by Diversity Council Australia. It reflects our continuing commitment to embedding inclusion into how we operate - not just in principle, but in practice. As a for-purpose organisation, fostering diversity and being intentional about inclusion is essential to delivering our mission.
“Participating in the DCA Inclusion Inclusive Employer Index gives us clear benchmarks to measure our progress and identify areas for improvement. It provides valuable insights that will help us further enhance the experience of our people and members. Inclusion remains a strategic priority for us, and this recognition reinforces that we’re on the right path, while reminding us there’s always more to do.”
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About DCA
Diversity Council Australia is the leading peak body for diversity and inclusion. As an independent not-for-profit and charitable organisation, we provide expert guidance to workplaces, policymakers and the broader community through research, tools, events, advocacy and education. Together, with our network of over 1,300 member organisations, we shape more equitable workplaces for a stronger economy and fairer society.
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