4 July 2024
As Navy begins to double the size of its surface combatant fleet, there is a renewed focus on supporting its most important resource – its people.
Following the announcement that the future Navy will have the largest surface combatant fleet since World War 2, new processes around staff diversity and inclusion are being enacted, positioning differences as a strategic strength.
Deputy Director Navy Diversity & Inclusion, Commander Prudence Hawkins-Griffiths, believes that by “doubling down” on diversity and inclusion, Navy can continue to grow as a world-class, future-focused force.
“One of Australia’s greatest strengths is that it stands proud as one of the most diverse and multicultural countries in the history of the world. It’s time we use this strength to our advantage,” Commander Hawkins-Griffiths said.
In line with the Next Generation Navy plan, six diversity reference groups have been created to ensure Navy is creating the space needed for people from all genders, beliefs, backgrounds and cultures.
“The Navy doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Just as Australia is broad and diverse, so must the Navy rise to the challenge of adapting to ensure that it remains a reflection of our evolving national identity,” Commander Hawkins-Griffiths said.
Commander Hawkins-Griffiths said corporate best practice around the globe demonstrated that diverse teams had more successful outcomes.
Navy leads the way in diverse and inclusive cultural change and practices, closely observed by allies who also seek to increase people capability.
“One of the benefits of creating greater diversity in our culture is the exposure to new ideas. When you have sailors from very diverse backgrounds, they will view issues, problems and solutions from different perspectives, allowing for innovation and improved outcomes,” Commander Hawkins-Griffiths said.
The six diversity reference groups are: women, First Nations, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), disability, and the newly added neurodiversity.
“We want our people to feel valued and included. Ensuring that our Navy remains agile, inclusive and welcoming will see our hardworking and dedicated sailors remain in service, while also allowing people from different backgrounds to consider life in the Navy,” Commander Hawkins-Griffiths said.
Lieutenant Hassan Ahmad, a member of the CALD group, has experienced the positive impact of diversity and inclusion practices.
After meeting two members of the Pakistani Navy in Australia on exchange, they bonded through their shared heritage.
“I happened to be eating lunch at the mess when I noticed some people speaking Urdu (my heritage language). I introduced myself and we quickly got to know each other and developed a friendship,” Lieutenant Ahmad said.
Lieutenant Ahmad stayed in contact while the officers completed a Hydrographic Survey Course, sharing knowledge and understanding of different cultures.
“I definitely improved my Urdu as well as helped with their English through our numerous discussions,” Lieutenant Ahmad said.
Lieutenant Ahmad also shared iftar dinner with the Pakistani officers to mark the end of Ramadan, gaining valuable insights into the Pakistani Navy, Islam and Ramadan – particularly the significance of Ramadan in Islamic nations.
“Learning about Islam, and through a naval context, afforded me the opportunity to present an in-depth and informed divisional presentation to members of my unit that included several senior officers, many of which don’t share the same background or cultural heritage as me and some concepts don’t come natural to them,” he said.
“This has provided a great opportunity to start a conversation and develop a shared understanding of cultural diversity in Navy.”
Membership in the six diversity reference groups is selective. A signal is released annually calling for expressions of interest, however, ad hoc nominations can be submitted to the relevant group chair at any time.
Once selected for a diversity reference group, membership lasts for 18 months or 2 years and is open to representatives from all service categories and service options (including Defence APS), streams, geographic regions, establishments, commands, force element groups and ranks.
