Monash receives Gold recognition for LGBTIQA+ workplace equality
Monash University has been recognised as a leading employer in fostering LGBTIQA+ inclusion in the workplace at the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) awards on Friday 31 May.
These awards celebrate leading organisations in Australia which demonstrate the highest level of commitment to fostering LGBTIQA+ inclusive workplaces and are conferred based on rigorous requirements of the national benchmarking framework.
Organisations are assessed against a range of criteria, such as strategic focus and accountability, executive leadership, visibility of inclusion, support and inclusion of trans and gender diverse employees, provision of professional development and community engagement.
In recognition of the excellent support provided to our trans and gender diverse employees, Monash was also announced as a finalist for the 2024 Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion Award.
Monash Law and Castan Centre member Professor Paula Gerber was also a finalist for the 2026 Sally Webster Ally Award, one of Australia's most prestigious honours for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
Paula is an internationally renowned human rights expert, and for over a decade, she has advocated for LGBTIQA+ people across our community and beyond. A longstanding member of the Monash University LGBTIQA+ community, she has been advocating for the rights of marginalised groups and shown exceptional allyship with the trans and gender diverse community and the broader LGBTIQA+ community.
Paula has been a visible, unwavering advocate for LGBTIQA+ people both within Monash University and in the broader legal and policy landscape. She was the founder and inaugural chair of the Diverse Genders, Sexes, and Sexualities Advisory Committee (DGSS) at Monash. Her work has driven real, systemic change in our wider community too – most notably contributing to Tasmania's landmark reparative justice program for individuals convicted under historical anti-gay laws. Through pro-bono legal work, public scholarship, media advocacy, and grassroots collaboration, she continues to reshape the conversation around LGBTIQA+ rights globally. Last year Paula authored the book Sex, Gender and Identity: Trans Rights in Australia, to help educate and empower allies to support trans and gender-diverse people in Australia.
Chief People Officer Anna Phillips said she was delighted to see the University’s efforts acknowledged with Gold recognition.
“It’s an honour for Monash to be recognised as a leader in promoting LGBITQA+ inclusion. Having achieved Silver status in 2018, 2020 and 2022, achieving Gold really demonstrates the University's commitment in this space,” Anna said.
“People are at the heart of what we do, and we recognise the importance of creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring their true selves to work. We will continue to champion inclusive practices in everything we do.”
Monash is committed to a continuous process of policy review and improvement in support of an equitable and inclusive environment.
Anthea Hall is the Senior Advisor, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, in Monash HR. She is a proud member of the LGBTIQA+ Ally Network, an active member of the Diverse Genders, Sexes and Sexualities Steering Group, and the recruitment contact for trans and gender diverse applicants applying for jobs at Monash University.
“Inclusion is close to my heart. One of the most valuable parts of my role is supporting staff through a pivotal time in their lives when they are affirming their gender in the workplace,” Ms Hall said.
Last year, as part of the University’s updates to the Gender Affirmation procedure, Monash introduced a standalone gender affirmation leave entitlement of up to 30 days to support staff affirming their gender, accompanied by comprehensive Guidelines for a Workplace Gender Affirmation Plan. The leave provision aligns with evolving standards of inclusion in contemporary Australian workplaces.
The University’s participation in the national benchmarking process has also provided a platform for recognition of its significant cross-disciplinary research endeavours and community engagement. Examples include:
- Improving Trans Affirming Elder Care Services: Colleagues from the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Monash University, Malaysia contributed to international efforts aimed at enhancing trans-affirming elder care services in Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Advocacy for LGBTIQA+ Rights: Professor Paula Gerber from the Faculty of Law made remarkable advocacy strides, notably as an invited speaker at the inaugural WorldPride Human Rights Conference. Her presentation on leveraging international law to advance LGBTIQA+ rights in Australia garnered attention and acclaim.
- Insights into Queer Youth: A research report titled Queer Young People in Australia: Insights from the Australian Youth Barometer, produced by Monash’s Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, shed light on the opportunities but also the disproportionate challenges for queer young people in contemporary Australian society.
Other support Monash offers includes sponsoring, supporting and attending Pride events and programs in Australia.