Industry Insights - Inclusion Isn't Done: Being LGBTQ+ at Work
Description
Policies have been developed. Training programs have been rolled out. Commitments have been made. So why are we still having this conversation?
Because workplace inclusion isn't a box to tick. It's an ongoing commitment that requires action, accountability and a willingness to keep learning.
Join us at the Victorian Pride Centre for the first session of Industry Insights, a series of conversations bringing together professionals, industry leaders, community organisations and allies to explore the challenges, opportunities and ideas shaping more inclusive workplaces and communities.
Inclusion Isn't Done: Being LGBTQ+ at Work will take a closer look at the reality of LGBTQ+ inclusion in today's workplaces. While progress has been made, barriers remain, and there's still work to do to ensure everyone feels safe, valued and empowered to thrive at work.
Through an engaging panel discussion, we'll hear from workplace leaders, inclusion practitioners and community voices as they share their experiences, challenge assumptions and explore what genuinely makes a difference.
What we'll explore
Where are we now? What does current workplace data tell us about LGBTQ+ inclusion, and how far have we really come?
What's working? Exploring the initiatives, practices and cultural changes that have made a meaningful impact.
What's holding us back? Identifying the barriers that continue to affect LGBTQ+ employees and their experiences at work.
What's next? Moving beyond policies and good intentions towards meaningful, lasting change.
More than just a panel discussion
Industry Insights is about more than sharing ideas. It's about building connections, encouraging collaboration and creating opportunities for people to learn from one another.
Following the panel discussion and audience Q&A, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, community leaders and advocates through structured networking and informal conversations.
Whether you're an LGBTQ+ professional, a workplace leader, an HR or diversity and inclusion practitioner, a community advocate or an ally looking to make a difference, this event is an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, share experiences and be part of the conversation.
Because inclusion isn't done, and progress happens when we keep the conversation going.
Panel discusion
SHAE ABEL (she/they)
Manager Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, People & Transformation, Melbourne Water Shae Abel (she/they) is the Manager, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Melbourne Water, where they lead the organisation's inclusion strategy, governance, and action planning. Shae recently led the development of Melbourne Water's Belonging Action Plan 2026-2030, transforming multiple standalone diversity plans into a single intersectional framework that brings together LGBTQ+ inclusion, First Peoples, gender equality, disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, and social disadvantage. Drawing on both lived and professional experience across diversity of gender and sexual orientation, disability, caring responsibilities, and social disadvantage, Shae is passionate about creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, connected, and able to thrive. Originally beginning their career across the justice, youth work, and mental health sectors before moving into diversity and inclusion leadership, Shae brings a strong human-centred and lived experience perspective to organisational change. Their work focuses on moving beyond compliance to embed belonging into workplace culture, systems, and leadership accountability, translating intersectionality from theory into practical action that improves employee experience and creates lasting change.
JEREMY OLIVER (he/they)
LGBTIQA+ Communities Portfolio Manager, Victoria Police Jeremy Oliver (he/they) has been the Victoria Police LGBTIQA+ Communities Portfolio Manager within the Priority and Safer Communities Division of Victoria Police, for the past 3.5 years. This role provides strategic advice to the organisation on the development and implementation of policies, initiatives and service delivery that support LGBTIQA+ communities, including the management of the LLO program. Notably, Jeremy has been instrumental in the identification of the increase of tech-facilitated violence against gay and bisexual men and coordinated the response from Victoria Police. Prior to this, Jeremy worked as a police officer and a full-time LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer (LLO) for 6 years. Jeremy is a member of the Victoria Police Pride Network Council, and founder of the Victoria Police Trans and Gender Diverse Employee Network (TAGDEN). Jeremy was recently awarded the 2026 Victorian Public Sector Pride Award - Rainbow Cardigan Award
CRAIG RATH (he/him)
Senior Consultant & Australian Pride Board Chair, Datacom Since joining Datacom in 2019, he has worked across state, federal and private clients across multiple sectors delivering IT Solutions, Projects and Support Contracts. Additional to his core responsibilities he has delivered key projects associated with Voice of Customer, Complaints Management, and Family Violence. Craig is also the Datacom Victorian Engagement Lead, the Datacom Pride Board Chair for Australia and sits on the companies DE&I Council for Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Pride in Diversity Victoria
ANDREW GEORGIOU (he/him)
VIC State Lead & Senior Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity Andrew Georgiou (he/him) is the VIC State Lead and Senior Relationship Manager at Pride in Diversity. Since joining in 2019, he has worked with leaders and organisations across a wide range of sectors to advance LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion through strategy, training, benchmarking and capability building. Prior to Pride in Diversity, Andrew held change and diversity roles at Telstra and was a leader within its Spectrum LGBTQ+ employee network. He is passionate about practical, outcomes-focused inclusion and building connected, inclusive workplaces.
CB BONNAR (she/they)
Senior Relationship Manager & PIND Author, Pride in Diversity CB is a strategic leader and passionate advocate for fostering inclusive environments and joined Pride in Diversity in 2022. Previously from Officeworks, CB has been instrumental in guiding and supporting organisations to develop comprehensive inclusion strategies. As a neurodivergent individual, CB thrives on developing complex and dynamic strategies that integrate diverse perspectives. Their leadership extends beyond compliance, driving policy change and promoting sustainable, inclusive practices that benefit all stakeholders.
ELISABETH LANE (she/her)
Senior Relationship Manager & Regional Reach Strategic Initiative Owner, Pride in Diversity Elisabeth joined Pride in Diversity in 2021 and is a Senior Relationship Manager and Regional Reach Strategic Initiative Owner. With a background spanning the ATO, Fair Work Commission and QLD University of Technology, she brings extensive experience in leadership, strategy, data and technology. A long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, Elisabeth previously co-chaired the ATO's ATOMIC network and currently serves as Secretary of Seahorse Victoria. She is passionate about building understanding and inclusion so LGBTQ+ people can be recognised, respected and valued for who they are.
JB BENINATO (she/they)
Senior Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity JB joined the Pride Inclusion Programs team in 2024 with over seven years of HR experience. They previously worked with Chemist Warehouse as Senior HR Advisor Diversity & Inclusion, where they led initiatives to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusion and fostered a strong partnership with the Victorian Pride Centre. As an organisational change specialist, JB brings a unique perspective informed by their lived experience as a neurodivergent and queer person. They are passionate about creating inclusive workplaces that celebrate diversity and ensure everyone feels valued and supported.
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