Return to normal view

Diversity

Diversity Statement

The Department of Justice is committed to embracing and encouraging diversity among its staff and across Victoria. It does this by:

• recognising that differences, whether in gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture, disability, sexual orientation, education, experience, skills or beliefs, encourage value and strength
• respecting the rights, dignity, worth and property of all people
• engaging in recruitment and staffing practices that reflect the diverse nature of our business and the community
• fostering a culture that honours each individual’s unique ideas, experiences and skills
• creating an inclusive work environment that values diversity.

The Department of Justice's commitment to diversity has resulted in the development of plans to make the justice system - and justice agencies or workplaces – accessible to all Victorians. These plans include:

• the Cultural Diversity Plan
• the Disability Action Plan 2005 – 2008
• annual forums run by the Diversity Issues Unit.

Cultural Diversity Plan

The Cultural Diversity Plan outlines strategies that will improve access to the justice system for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities by increasing CALD community members' understanding of the legal system. 

The plan, developed in close consultation with key ethnic community groups and community leaders, features:

• a scholarship program for a justice-related course targeting disadvantaged CALD youth
• a multilingual community education program focusing on rights and targeting newly arrived communities
• a Department of Justice Language Policy to be implemented through a targeted training program.

The plan also includes a Language Services Policy and Guidelines for Working with Interpreters and Translators. These key elements ensure that the department provides professional interpreting and translating services to people who have limited or no understanding of English, or who are hearing impaired.

Disability Action Plan 2005-08

The Disability Action Plan outlines the department's commitment to human rights and to addressing disadvantage in the justice system. The plan was developed by the department's Diversity Issues Unit in partnership with people with a disability (including Department of Justice staff), related consumer and advocacy organisations and the Disability Advisory Council of Victoria.

Annual forums

The department's Diversity Issues Unit runs forums every year which are related to the following:

• International Women's Day - 8 March
• celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week - 17-23 March
• World Refugee Day - 20 June
• International Day of People with a Disability - 3 December