“It’s Just a Joke!” - Exploring the line between humour and harm in the workplace

Join Careers in Colour (CiC) and MinterEllison for an open and thought-provoking conversation as we unpack the line between humour and harm in the workplace.

Many people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and communities of colour have experienced comments that felt uncomfortable, exclusionary, or harmful, only to be met with the response: “It was just a joke.” While humour can build connection, it can also reinforce stereotypes, perpetuate bias, and leave lasting impacts that are often overlooked.

This event is open to everyone - whether you've experienced these situations firsthand, witnessed them happen, or simply want to better understand how humour, bias, and inclusion show up in our everyday interactions. 

The event will be held at MinterEllison Canberra offices (Level 11, Constitution Place, 1 Constitution Ave, Canberra). Nibbles and drinks will be provided. 

We’ll explore:

• When does a joke stop being "just a joke"? Understanding the difference between intent and impact, and why both matter.

• What impact can seemingly minor comments have on the people receiving them, and why do these experiences often go unnoticed or unaddressed?

• What does accountability look like in practice, and how do we move from awareness and good intentions to meaningful action?

Moderated by Angela Li (she/her), Analyst at MinterEllison and Events Lead 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.

• Sridhar Ayyalaraju (He/him) - Assistant Secretary People Operations Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Dollie Yao (She/her) - Executive Officer to Deputy Secretary, Regional Development and Infrastructure Group

• Mariam Veiszadeh (She/her) - Executive Director, MindTribes

  ... and more to come!

Here’s what you can expect:

• 5.30-6.15PM - Registration and networking

• 6.15-6.30PM - Welcome and opening remarks

• 6.30-7.25PM - Panel discussion, followed by Q&A

• 7.25-7.30PM - Closing remarks

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

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.

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.

About MinterEllison’s EMBRACE Network

MinterEllison’s EMBRACE network supports the firm’s commitment to cultural diversity by creating opportunities to celebrate and elevate the diverse backgrounds of its people. Through events, storytelling and education, EMBRACE helps build cultural awareness, fosters connection and belonging for culturally and linguistically diverse employees and allies, and supports career development and community engagement both within the firm and with clients.