Developing culturally inclusive job advertisements

A job advertisement aiming to attract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should:

• be written in culturally appropriate and inclusive and respectful language
• highlight opportunities and benefits such as professional development, flexible work and cultural leave
• include a statement which encourages people to apply even if they don’t fit all the requirements
• include the details of a person who can discuss a potential applicant’s suitability for the role
• demonstrate your agency’s commitment to valuing the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• clearly state if any EO Act exceptions apply to the position.

When advertising roles using the EO Act exceptions:   

• include terms ‘Section 50(d)’ or ‘Section 51’ in job titles and body text to improve the keyword searchability of your advertisements
  • include a statement to explain that the decision to prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants is based on legal provisions and reference the EO Act exception being applied.

Here are some examples of statements to use in job advertisements:

Example 1: Section 50(d) statement

Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. Therefore, only applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people will be considered.

Example 2: Section 50(d) statement

This position is only available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island people as permitted under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. We believe that an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person brings essential insights and understanding to this role, enhancing our ability to connect with and serve our community effectively.

Example 1: Section 51 statement

We are committed to equality and celebrate the diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and other characteristics that make our team so successful. As a measure to achieve equality and diversity, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Example 2: Section 51 statement

Our agency is working to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our workforce. As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position. This vacancy is open to all applicants however Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and, if deemed suitable, will be prioritised for appointment.

What actions can I consider?

• Providing contact details for a staff member, independent of the assessment process, to provide tailored support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants throughout the recruitment process.
• Include a video link of a staff member describing the day to day experience of the role.
• Use a photograph but only with the person’s consent.
• Use artwork created by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist but only if your agency has the right to reproduce it, giving due consideration to cultural and intellectual property protocols.