The University has achieved the highest recognition of Platinum accreditation in the Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards for the first time.

These awards are based on the results of submissions to the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) and set national benchmarks for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

"I am thrilled the University of Sydney has achieved Platinum Employer status for the 2025 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) - the highest possible level," said Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott.  

"This result is thanks to the wonderful work and advocacy of so many people across the organisation, and is testament to our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion."

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Community and Leadership), Professor Lucy Marshall, said the result reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to being an inclusive employer for the LGBTQIA+ community in increasingly challenging times.

"Platinum accreditation from the AWEI is something we should all be proud of. As the global landscape pulls away from diversity, equity and inclusion practice, it is important that the University continues to be visible in our commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion for staff," she said. 

"These practices affect students and our broader community through our range of support, education, research and initiatives. It is up to all of us to foster a diverse and inclusive environment, which benefits us all.

"I’d like to make special mention of the people that drive inclusive practices for our community; the co-chairs of the Pride Network, Lily Stokes, Horas Wong, Shannon Hurst and Rafael Franca Dutra, our Diversity and Inclusion Team, particularly Brooklyn Sulaeman, Andi Egan and Annabelle Hung, and those that volunteer their time to support the community by running events, educating themselves and creating safe spaces for our students.

"Fostering a safe campus takes a huge effort and I thank you all for your dedication to allyship."

AWEI submissions are marked against a set of criteria, ranging from LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace policies to culture and communication.

Each year, as more organisations participate in the AWEI and aspire to meet the criteria, the scores required to achieve Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum status have increased. Holding Platinum status means that the University will be required to continue our efforts year on year and be visible as an organisation leading the way in queer inclusion.

Notable LGBTQIA+ inclusion initiatives and activities that were undertaken by the University in 2024/2025 include: 

• A supportive and engaged Pride Network, with Co-Chairs and members of the Network’s Steering Committee working together to develop and deliver Network activities as well as foster an inclusive and supportive community for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. 
• Participation and support for events such as Mardi Gras, Transgender Awareness Day, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and many more.
• Provision of clear, up-to-date, and accessible support and resources for our LGBTQIA+ staff. 
• Initiatives to support LGBTQIA+ students including our Student Support Liaison Officers (SSLOs). 
• Staff development modules provided in-person and online by Pride in Diversity which cover a broad range of LGBTQ+ inclusion topics.
• Promotion of best-practice inclusive language guidelines across the University. 
• Facilitated LGBTQIA+ inclusion education for teams across the University by Diversity and Inclusion. 
• An ongoing ICT project which works to eradicate deadnaming of staff and students in our systems.