From Advocacy to Action: Advancing Racial Diversity in the Public Sector

From Advocacy to Action: Advancing Racial Diversity in the Public Sector 

Across all levels of government—local, state, and federal—the public sector is making important strides toward greater racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity. Initiatives such the Australian Public Service’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan are helping to lay the groundwork. But how do we move beyond recognition and statements of intent to achieve meaningful, systemic change?

This panel discussion brings together public sector leaders, diversity advocates and policy experts to explore tangible strategies for empowering people of colour—not just to enter public service, but to thrive and lead within it.

Key topics will include:

• The role of inclusive leadership and allyship in fostering equitable workplace cultures

• Leveraging technology to reduce bias in recruitment and promotion

• Strengthening career pathways and progression for people of colour across all levels of government

Moderated by Afeeya Akhand (she/her), Head of Research and Policy at Careers in Colour, we will be joined by some fantastic speakers and panellists on the night, and we will be releasing more information about them on our socials. 

• Naa Opoku (she/her) - Assistant Secretary, Safety and Future Technology Branch, SES CALD Network Champion, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

• Dr Paul Hubbard (he/him) - Assistant Secretary, Co-Head of AI CoLab, CALD Co-Champion, Department of Finance

• Aneesha Johar (she/her) - Assistant Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Irene Sim (she/her) - Executive Leadership Coach, Coaching Alliance Group

Stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn.

Everyone is welcome

Open to both people of colour and allies, this event offers a space for honest, solutions-focused conversations about breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive, representative public sector for all.

This event will be in-person only. Food and drinks will be provided. 

If you have any accessibility requirements or any other suggestions, please list these in the registration form or email careersincolour@gmail.com.

If you're considering a bulk purchase (over 5 tickets), please contact us at careersincolour@gmail.com to enquire about group discounts.

To ensure this event is financially accessible, we have opened up options to purchase a 'pay it forward' and set aside a few tickets at a discounted price. Please contact us at careersincolour@gmail.com if this is this may be relevant to you. 

While this event will not be recorded, we are committed to running a range of other events virtually throughout the year.

Photography and Videography Notice

We may photograph and record parts of our events for social media promotion. Your comfort matters to us, so if you would prefer not to be included, please reach out to us at careersincolour@gmail.com.

About Careers in Colour

Careers in Colour supports people of colour in their careers by running community initiatives that provide pathways to effect positive change in their own careers, workplaces, and broader society.

Our philosophy is rooted in transformative equity and particularly focuses on underrepresented and marginalised communities with intersecting identities. We aim to do this by providing opportunities for leadership, community and connectivity, while mobilising advocates around issues that affect people of colour in the workplace and push for structural change.

We acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded lands of the Gadigal, Dharug, Wurundjeri, and Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We acknowledge Traditional Owners across the continent and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community.