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Diversity and Inclusion Policy

 

Effective Date: 09/09/2025

At PRIDESTATE, we believe that diversity is our strength and inclusion is our practice. As a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider, our core mission is to empower individuals to live with dignity, choice, and control. This commitment extends to our team, our participants, and the communities we serve. We are dedicated to creating an environment that respects, values, and celebrates people from all backgrounds.

 

Our Commitment

 

We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that reflects the diversity of the broader community. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or vilification on any grounds, and we are dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and culturally responsive environment for everyone.

This policy is guided by the fundamental human rights principles of equality and non-discrimination, as articulated in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Specifically, we uphold Article 1, which states, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

 

Legal and Regulatory Framework

 

This policy is underpinned by and complies with key Australian and Queensland legislation, including:

  • Federal Legislation:
    • Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth): Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, descent, or ethnic origin.
    • Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth): Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, marital or relationship status, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
    • Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth): Makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person with a disability. As an SDA provider, this is a cornerstone of our practice.
    • Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth): Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age.
    • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth): Protects employees from discrimination in the workplace.
  • Queensland Legislation:
    • Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld): This is the primary law in Queensland that makes discrimination and other specified conduct unlawful, covering a broad range of attributes including race, age, sex, impairment, and family responsibilities.
    • Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld): This Act provides a framework to ensure that public entities, including PRIDESTATE in its capacity as an NDIS provider, act compatibly with human rights. This includes the right to recognition and equality before the law, and cultural rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

First Nations Inclusivity and Reconciliation

 

PRIDESTATE acknowledges that Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the Traditional Custodians of this land. We are committed to reconciliation and actively working towards a future where Indigenous peoples’ rights, cultures, and contributions are recognised and respected.

We will:

  • Foster Cultural Safety: Provide a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Islander participants and staff, free from racism and discrimination.
  • Recognise Traditional Knowledge: Respect and learn from the rich cultural heritage and knowledge of First Nations peoples.
  • Support Career Pathways: Actively encourage and support the employment and professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals.
  • Acknowledge Sorry Business: Recognise the importance of Sorry Business and other cultural and community obligations, and provide compassionate leave and flexible arrangements in a culturally appropriate way.

 

Implementation and Responsibilities

 

This policy applies to all PRIDESTATE staff, contractors, volunteers, and participants.

  • Recruitment and Employment: We will use inclusive recruitment practices and ensure that all employment decisions are based on merit, skills, and experience.
  • Work Environment: We will promote a respectful and inclusive work culture through training, communication, and clear policies.
  • Participant Services: We will ensure that our services are delivered in a way that is culturally sensitive, accessible, and inclusive for all participants, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
  • Complaints and Grievances: We have a clear and confidential process for addressing any concerns or complaints related to discrimination, harassment, or vilification. All complaints will be investigated promptly and fairly, in accordance with the law.

At PRIDESTATE, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to our vision of empowering people with a disability to live their best lives.