Your fortnightly newsletter from DCA. Together towards inclusion.

Hi everyone,

We’re delighted to announce Catherine Fitzgerald (she/her) as DCA’s new CEO. Catherine starts full time on 14 September, and we look forward to introducing her to members as she begins leading DCA’s next chapter.

There’s plenty happening across the DCA community. EOIs for the 2026–2027 Inclusive Employer Index close on 14 August, so now is the time to measure and strengthen inclusion in your workplace.

In this edition, we also feature member case studies on the ACCC’s work to close the gender pay gap and MinterEllison’s inclusive approach to AI. We also explore how DCA’s cultural intelligence and anti-racism programs can help organisations build inclusion, understanding and racial literacy.

Thanks to your support, this has been a record-breaking year for DCA events, with webinar registrations reaching new highs. Finally, our website will be offline for upgrades from 5pm on Wednesday 29 July and will be back online on Thursday 30 July. Thank you for your patience.

Happy reading!

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News

ACCC celebrates progress on gender pay equity

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says its long‑term push to close its gender pay gap is strengthening workplace trust, improving retention and boosting organisational performance, with the agency on track to eliminate the gap by 2026. Read our blog and more about how the ACCC says its progress shows that treating gender equity as a whole‑of‑organisation priority delivers measurable, lasting change.

Photo from ACCC with a man and a woman on either side of a computer, looking at the camera and smiling

Embedding inclusive AI by design at MinterEllison

MinterEllison, one of Australia’s leading law firms, is taking a thoughtful approach to AI, keeping people firmly in control. AI is already part of how the firm works day-to-day, supporting everything from document analysis and complex negotiations through to workflow management and onboarding.

Learn how MinterEllison’s approach is a reminder that inclusive AI involves deliberate choices to embed inclusion into systems, invest in people, and maintain human accountability.

EOIs for the Inclusive Employer Index close next month!

There’s less than one month left before expressions of interest to participate in the 2026-2027 Inclusive Employer Index close on 14 August. Take advantage of the opportunity to join the growing list of 2026-2027 Inclusive Employers.

Organisations who meet or exceed the benchmark will be announced at the start of Inclusion at Work Week 2026 (Monday 16 to Friday 20 November) and recognised on the DCA website and through our social media channels. They can also demonstrate their commitment to D&I by displaying the “Proud to be an Inclusive Employer” logo in their communications. The Inclusive Employer Index is open to all organisations. DCA membership is not required.

Proud to be an Inclusive Employer 2026-2027 tile for social media

Record webinar registrations highlight demand for DCA expertise

DCA’s webinars are attracting record registrations as members turn to us for practical guidance on the diversity and inclusion issues shaping workplaces today. Our most popular event this year, The power of psychosocial safety at work, attracted 1,806 registrations from 921 organisations. Strong demand also drove registrations for First Nations Insights: Co-design and Power-sharing in Practice (1,131 registrations from 524 organisations) and Upholding D&I Values Under Pressure (743 registrations from 337 organisations). These results reflect strong demand for timely, evidence-based insights that help organisations respond to issues shaping workplaces today.

Explore our coming events, knowledge programs and expert speakers to build capability, inspire action and strengthen your diversity and inclusion outcomes.

Education and learning

DCA knowledge programs on anti-racism and cultural intelligence

In times of increased polarisation, DCA’s knowledge programs on cultural intelligence and anti-racism are a great way for leaders and team members to build confidence, flexibility, and address their curiosity around how to respond constructively when difference shows up.

Explore more on these programs