Emergency Management Diversity and Inclusion Framework

The Emergency Management Diversity and Inclusion Framework

Why is diversity important?

It is widely acknowledged that workplace diversity brings better thinking, richer discussions, more innovative outcomes, and a more inclusive workplace for everybody. Diverse leadership teams are more innovative and produce stronger business outcomes.

Victoria is one of the most diverse populations in Australia. Greater diversity in our workforce tells the community that our sector is an inclusive workforce, and we reflect the community we serve.

PracticesBuild a culturally safe workforce that enables inclusion and self-determination in all its policies, programs and structures. 
Environment Cultivate a safe and inclusive workplace culture that empowers everyone to achieve their full potential and ultimately allow people to be comfortable being their authentic selves within the Sector.
Foster a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion to better serve the communities they reflect. 
PeoplePromote and sustain inclusivity outcomes by cultivating a culture that recognises and values the diversity of all individuals.
Develop a Sector wide understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a supportive environment for all facets of diversity and its intersections. 

Build and Transform: Systems and structures

Develop policies and programs that transform systems and structures to enable decision-making within leadership and adopt an outcomes-focused approach that works to structurally change the Sector by creating a system that ensures its policies and programs are responsive to the communities changing needs, priorities, and aspirations.

Outcomes

Embrace diversity and inclusion across the Sectors to better reflect and connect with the communities they serve, create high-performing, respectful, inclusive, and safe working environments in which the full potential of all members is realised, and enable a breadth of perspective and innovation in service design and delivery.

Recognition and Accountability

Create a culture that recognises its shortcomings and improves its response to bias and discrimination by working to improve its culture and understands that a 'one size fits all' approach does not work for all agencies within the Sector.

Outcomes

Achieve a Sector-wide understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion that sets the foundations for a supportive environment for all where everyone is valued, and where all contribute to a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment where everyone has equal access to recruitment, progression and resources.

What does inclusion mean to the Sector?

Within the Emergency Management Sector inclusion means:

Creating an environment that promotes and supports individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring our workforce reflects the community we serve.
By acknowledging our shortcomings, we acknowledge the need to address the cultural and historical barriers that have limited the participation and representation of certain groups within our Sector. By doing so, we can lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Actively promoting an overall culture that diversity that encourages individuals from all walks of life to contribute their unique perspectives and talents within our workforce.

Agency and departmental action plans

Find links below to individual action plans set out by agencies and departments who have contributed to our framework.

Ambulance Victoria (AV)

Gender Equality Action Plan 2022 - 2025 (External link)

Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 - 2024 (External link)

Country Fire Authority (CFA)

Gender Equality Action Plan 2021 - 2025 (External link)

Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023 - 2025 (External link)

Department of Education (DE)

Gender Equality Action Plan 2022 - 2025 (External link)

Aboriginal Inclusion Plan 2022 - 2026 (External link)

Department of Health (DH)

Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2025 (External link)

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (External link)

Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) - includes Emergency Management Victoria (EMV), Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) and Inspector-General for Emergency Management (IGEM)

Gender Equality Action Plan 2021 - 2025 (External link)

Accessibility in Action: Disability Action Plan 2022-2026 (External link)

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV)

Gender Equality Action Plan 2022 - 2025 (External link)

Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan December 2022 – June 2024 (External link)

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) - Includes Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Parks Victoria

Aboriginal Self-Determination Reform Strategy 2020 - 2025 (External link)

Access and Inclusion Plan 2023 - 2024 (External link)

FFMVic Diversity and Inclusion Outcomes Framework

DEECA Gender Equality Action Plan 2021/22 - 2025/26

Victoria Police (VicPol)

Victoria Police Gender Equality Action Plan 2022–2024 (External link)