CCIWA has been awarded Inclusive Employer status by Diversity Council Australia (DCA) for the fourth year running, recognising the organisation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
DCA is the independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in Australian workplaces. 
Its annual Inclusive Employers Index tracks the progress of Australian organisations to measure their progress over time and benchmark their results against the wider Australian workforce.
To be named on the Inclusive Employers list, organisations must exceed the National Index Benchmark across at least five out of key areas: awareness, engagement, inclusive organisational climate, inclusive leadership, inclusive team, and exclusion.
CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell said the organisation will continue to promote inclusion and diversity.
“As the peak body representing businesses in WA, we’re committed to ensuring we lead the way in creating a contemporary workplace,” he said.
“While there’s always work to do to make our organisation the best it can be, these results show we’re making steady progress towards our goal of creating a workplace that’s inclusive and respectful to all people, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexuality or disability.”
The DCA survey found 89% of CCIWA staff believed top leaders demonstrate a visible commitment to diversity and inclusion, compared with 64% of the broader Australian workforce.
Further, 90% said their team treat each other with respect, compared with 71% for the broader Australian workforce.
And 92% said they felt like they belonged as part of a team, compared with 71% for the broader Australian workforce.
D&I commitment ‘beyond organisation’
Rodwell said CCIWA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion goes beyond the organisation itself.
“In 2024, we were proud to launch the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Awards in Western Australia, which celebrated the businesses and organisations taking great strides in D&I,” he said.
“We’re very excited to confirm the event will return in 2025, and we’re again expecting a high calibre of entrants.
“We know that business can lead the way to change across society, and the CCIWA Diversity and Inclusion Awards are a shining example of this. There are so many organisations doing incredible work to promote equity, and these awards will showcase the best of the best.”
CCIWA is also partnering with the WA Government to run the Ability Link pilot program, which aims to link people with disabilities with job opportunities.
Through Apprenticeship Services Australia, CCIWA is supporting the development of apprenticeships for Indigenous people and women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
DCA CEO Lisa Annese congratulated this year’s Inclusive Employers for showing their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces where employees in all their diversity can thrive.
“DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index is an opportunity to celebrate the companies that are driving real change and inspiring others to follow their lead,” she said.
“It’s an evidence-based process that reveals the state of inclusion and diversity across participating organisations. Recognition as an Inclusive Employer means your organisation is doing the necessary work to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.”
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or [email protected].
