Novartis named finalist in LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards

Human Resources: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia and New Zealand has been named a finalist in the 2024 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards, slated for a gala ceremony on May 31st. This event will bring together business leaders, diversity champions and HR professionals dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in Australian workplaces.

Trans and gender diverse people face stigma and discrimination across many aspects of their daily lives, which can impact their health and wellbeing and ability to participate.

Established in 2011, these Awards stem from the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Submissions, providing a platform for organisations across Australia to assess and enhance their LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices annually. The event is produced by Pride in Diversity, the national not-for-profit diversity inclusion program spearheaded by Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON.

Director of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, Dawn Emsen-Hough, said “We are thrilled that the Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards are back after a brief hiatus to refresh the Index. We have some record-breaking results within the AWEI Submissions this year, highlighting the importance that participating organisations are placing on this work.”

Jess Huf, Country Therapy Area Head Haematology & Cell Therapies at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia and New Zealand, stands out as a finalist in the Executive Leadership award category, exemplifying Novartis’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Emsen-Hough emphasised the importance of such initiatives in light of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, saying “We know from the AWEI Employee Survey that many within our community have been impacted by the negativity and misinformation that is playing out in social media and the country more broadly. The number of people out to all at work is continuing to decline with respondents indicating that this is a significant reason. It is therefore critical that there remains a high level of focus on this important aspect of Diversity and Inclusion.”

Equipping employers with resources and training needed to address discrimination in recruitment and employment practices ensures that workplaces are inclusive of trans and gender diverse employees.

Emsen-Hough underscored the significance of these awards as a symbol of organisations’ dedication and individuals’ allyship, explaining “These awards are a testament to the remarkable commitment of organisations who understand that importance and the individuals who are strong visible allies for LGBTQ+ people at their places of work. We hope this sends a powerful message to Australian employees that we are working incredibly hard to ensure that you can feel safe and empowered to bring your whole self to work.”

ACON has been developing the next iteration of its Strategic Plan. In addition, the organisation has continued its advocacy efforts including responding to Alex Greenwich MP’s Equality Bill, participating in the NSW Drug Summit, and addressing the findings of the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes.

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