More women and people from non-English speaking backgrounds are being encouraged to join our emergency services.
The Andrews Labor Government today released the Emergency Management Diversity and Inclusion Framework: Respect and Inclusion for All.
The framework outlines what needs to be done across Victoria’s emergency management sector to implement cultural and organisational change.
More than 20 per cent of Victoria’s population speaks a language other than English at home but this section of our community, along with women, are underrepresented in our emergency services.
The framework will help our emergency service agencies better reflect the entire Victorian population and improve connections with the local communities that emergency workers serve.
This is important for community safety, as evidence shows that connected and inclusive communities are more resilient in the face of emergencies.
Victoria’s emergency management sector boasts exceptional people who work hard to keep their communities safe – but it can always benefit from more workers with diverse backgrounds, experience and perspectives.
The framework will guide development of a sector-wide action plan for diversity and inclusion that will see all members of the community able to contribute to their safety and resilience.
It is part of the Labor Government’s ongoing work to ensure all workplaces are inclusive, safe, respectful and reflective of the diversity of our community.
The emergency management diversity and inclusion framework is at: .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“Victoria has a diverse community and our emergency services agencies need to reflect that so we can make our communities stronger and more resilient before, during and after emergencies.”
“Emergency management organisations are trusted by the community and help shape community attitudes – by demonstrating and encouraging respect, equality and inclusion, they can lead the way in creating a fairer and safer Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020