People Policy

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) provides a fair and equal work place for all employees that is free from all forms of discrimination and complies with all relevant regulatory, legislative, administrative and organisational requirements for all employees, contractors, visitors and guests.

All Employees are expected to uphold GMW's commitment to workforce Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equity, to promote a true spirit of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) across the business and to ensure that the workplace environment allows for all employees to be treated fairly and equitably 

This policy will be reviewed annually, in accordance with updated performance criteria and compliance requirements.

1. Objective

This policy supports delivery of the Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) People and Culture Strategy and our Strategic Outcome of safe, skilled, engaged people: “We have a safe, inspiring and diverse workplace where learning is encouraged and people are supported”.

2. Scope

This policy applies to GMW Board, GMW Executive and all GMW employees. Where labour services are outsourced, this policy is given effect through the inclusion of contractual clauses.

3. Policy

GMW provides a workplace that is safe, enables our people to learn and be engaged. Our workplace enables us to attract and retain the capability we need. Our workplace:

  • is safe and free from risk as far as reasonably practicable
  • proactively supports physical and mental health and wellbeing,
  • is free from all forms of discrimination
  • actively promotes diversity of all kinds
  • is inclusive, ensures belonging and a great employee experience
  • is fair and equitable in all matters
  • does not tolerate bullying, harassment or any kind including sexual harassment
  • does not tolerate poor performance
  • develops the capability of our people so that they can reach their full potential
  • complies with all relevant regulatory and legislative, requirements
  • applies the GMW Enterprise Agreement consistently and fairly

4. Responsibilities

Responsibility Who
Approval of this Policy Board
People, Culture and Safety Strategy and Procedures General Manager People, Culture and Safety
Ensure their teams understand and comply with People and Culture Policies and Procedures People Leaders
Practical application and support in implementing Policies, Procedures and programs of work People and Culture team
Ensuring they understand and comply with People and Culture Policies and Procedures All GMW employees

Associated documents

Appendix A – Relevant Legislation

The following legislation provides the Regulatory framework for this Policy:

  • GMW Enterprise Agreement
  • Fair Work Act 2009
  • Gender Equality Act 2020
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1984
  • Age Discrimination Act 2004
  • Disability Act 1992
  • Racial Discrimination Act 1975
  • National Employment Standards
  • Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Water Act 1989
  • Victorian Public Administration Act 2004
  • Public Sector Industrial relations Policies
  • Long Service leave Regulations (Water) 2011
  • Water Industry Award 2020

This policy is consistent with Victorian Public Sector Standards and Codes as appropriate.

Diversity and Inclusion Plan on a Page 2021 - 2025

Safe, Skilled, Engaged People

Vision

Equity and Fairness: GMW does not treat any individual or group differently due to visible or invisible differences. GMW people are supported, enabled and empowered throughout their employment and life stages. GMW has equity and fairness in all policies and processes.

Goals

All abilities

GMW is known as a disability friendly and inclusive organisation

Actions:
  • All Abilities employee network for people with disability and their allies
  • Creating awareness in GMW of difference: visible and invisible, physical and mental to support an inclusive culture
  • Developing a disability friendly culture
  • Actively support and partner with WaterAble
  • Review of recruitment policy
  • Accessibility review (e.g. facilities and training
All genders and sexualities

GMW has equity in recruitment, remuneration and career opportunities and a gender diverse employee base which supports all preferences and orientation

Actions

Gender Equality Action Plan including:

  • Sexual Harassment training
  • All Genders employee networks (to include women and LGBTIQ+ networks)
  • Gender Audit (including remuneration)
  • Women in leadership programs including regional mentoring
  • Policy and Procedure review
  • Unconscious bias training
  • LGBTIQ+ support
All ages

GMW has flourishing entry-level recruitment programs, career support and development, and transition to retirement. We support parents and carers

Actions
  • Graduate and trainee program
  • Career support and development regardless of age
  • Support for parents and carers
  • Transition to retirement program
  • Reverse mentoring
  • Employee Networks
All cultures

GMW actively supports those from all cultures and religious beliefs. We enable outcomes of the GMW Reconciliation Strategy

Actions
  • Employment opportunities for First Nations people
  • First Nation Cultural awareness training including on country
  • Awareness training on the diverse cultures and religious beliefs of all our communities
  • Employee Networks