Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation recently hosted Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner Giri Sivaraman and Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Jeswynn Yogaratnam at its headquarters on Larrakia Country.
The visit provided an opportunity for Ironbark's leadership and staff to showcase their commitment to embedding Positive Duty principles into workplace culture.
Chief executive Shaun Pearce, alongside key team members, shared insights into the organisation's journey towards fostering a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
At the heart of the discussions was Ironbark's proactive approach to implementing Positive Duty—an obligation under Australian law that requires organisations to take reasonable steps to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation before it occurs. This legal framework, introduced as part of the Sex Discrimination Act, has evolved to incorporate a broader perspective on workplace equality, extending to race and the intersection of 24 protected attributes.
For Ironbark, Positive Duty is not viewed as a compliance requirement or side initiative—it is standard practice, integrated into the corporation's daily operations. Mr Pearce and his Corporate Compliance team outlined the measures they have put in place to ensure that respect, safety, and inclusion remain central to the organisation's culture.
Through policies, staff training, and open discussions, Ironbark is fostering an environment where every employee, regardless of their background or identity, feels safe and valued.
"We are proud to be building workplaces where our values lead, and every story is honoured," Mr Pearce said.
The visit also sparked discussions on race and the complex interplay of multiple forms of discrimination, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to workplace inclusion. With a workforce that includes almost 50 per cent Indigenous employees, Ironbark said it is committed to ensuring its policies and practices "genuinely reflect" the needs of its staff and community.
During the visit, Ironbark presented its future goals for expanding its Positive Duty initiatives. These include strengthening internal reporting mechanisms, enhancing leadership accountability, and creating more opportunities for Indigenous employees to take on leadership roles. The organisation is also working towards fostering stronger connections with external stakeholders to drive broader systemic change.
A highlight of the presentation was a short video showcasing Ironbark's Positive Duty journey, which featured stories from employees about how these principles have transformed their workplace experience.
The video was so well received that Commissioner Sivaraman showcased it at the Positive Duty Oration & Launch of the National Anti-Racism Framework event at Charles Darwin University where Commissioner Sivaraman delivered the keynote address, focusing on the role of Positive Duty in shaping the national agenda.
