EP#116: Why cultural and linguistic diversity matters: Unpacking the APS CALD Employment Strategy
On this episode, Dr Suzanne Akila, Jo Talbot, and Radi Kovacevic talk us through CALD representation in the public service, and what it will take for more culturally and linguistically diverse employees to succeed in the senior executive.
Australia is a truly multicultural nation, with over 21 percent of the country’s population born overseas. As this demographic has grown over the years, so has the number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) employees in the public service. However, this isn’t broadly reflected in the senior executive level. Earlier this year, the public service launched its CALD Employment Strategy to address this gap.
On this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Dr Suzanne Akila from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Radi Kovacevic from the Department of Home Affairs about their experience as CALD leaders in the public service. Leading the implementation of the CALD Employment Strategy, Jo Talbot from the Australian Public Service Commission also joins the discussion, focusing on how to create workplaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Discussed in this episode:
- why cultural and linguistic diversity matters in the workplace
- championing CALD employees in the APS
- being curious about people’s stories
- the effects of othering
- key initiatives under the CALD Employment Strategy
- building cultural understanding
- removing bias from recruitment processes
- challenging what a good leader looks like
- learning critical self-reflection
- tips for aspiring CALD leaders.
Show notes:
Guests:
Dr Suzanne Akila
Suzanne joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2015 and is currently the special advisor on negotiations for Greater Sunrise between Australia and Timor-Leste. She served as political counsellor in Papua New Guinea (2021–2023) and Deputy High Commissioner in Vanuatu (2023).
She has led the International Law Section, the Sea Law and Antarctica Section and served as special advisor South China Sea. Prior to joining DFAT, Suzanne worked in the Office of International Law at the Attorney-General’s Department. Suzanne was named Woman Lawyer of the Year for Government by the ACT Women Lawyers Association in 2018. Suzanne was an inaugural Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Scholar, and completed her PhD at the ANU.
Radi Kovacevic
Radi Kovacevic is currently the acting group manager of the Home Affairs, Technology and Major Capability Group. The group builds, runs and maintains Home Affairs’ ICT and other technology capabilities as critical enablers of the business and digital operations of the portfolio.
Radi is also the Department of Home Affairs Cultural and Linguistic Diversity SES Champion.
Having over 25 years in the IT industry, Radi has a deep understanding of technology, digital transformation and capability strategy. Radi’s role drives the Home Affairs technology delivery in the traveller, trade and migration ecosystems.
Jo Talbot
Jo is responsible for international, workplace relations, and strengthening diversity and inclusion group.
She has previously held chief operating officer and chief people officer roles, as well as responsibilities in a range of senior corporate leadership roles across a number of departments including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Social Services, Department of Communications and the Arts, Department of Human Services, and Australian Customs Service.