Finance strives for diversity in the workplace

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“Diversity is the catalyst for innovative thinking.”
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Nicki Suchenia speaking at lecture stand.

That was the key message from the Commissioner of State Revenue, Nicki Suchenia, at the ECU Women in Business event, sponsored by the Department of Finance, held on 18 October. 

Suchenia, who was the key note speaker at the event, highlighted that diversity encourages Finance to be more agile in its thinking, bringing differing perspectives, experiences and knowledge together to produce exemplar performance.

Diversity is also important across Government in its representation of the community.

“Government serves its citizens so it is imperative that Finance, a central government agency, has representation from all sectors of the community,” Suchenia said.

“Last year, Finance initiated the Diversity in Finance Employment Plan 2017-22, which outlines steps for improving employment outcomes specifically for persons with a disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the Department.” 

Suchenia also referenced Finance’s six month Women in Management study to understand the barriers that women face in progressing to management positions at the Department.

“The study identified that inflexibility of management roles, in order to balance family and work commitments, was a key barrier in women progressing to senior positions. Women’s lack of confidence to apply for roles was also a key theme.”

“Finance has committed to achieving gender equality within the Department and is currently preparing to implement an action plan to solve the problem.”

The event was hosted by ECU Women in Business, a student-run university club aimed at increasing opportunities and creating a supportive community for female business students.

The event also gave ECU students the opportunity to network with senior executives of Finance, including Director General, Jodi Cant, and Deputy Director General, Phil Helberg, plus find out more about Finance’s Graduate Program.