Sir Bob Geldof Urges 'Fair Go' from Australian Businesses
5 December 2008 at 9:49 am
Rock legend and international human rights activist, Sir Bob Geldof has warned Australian businesses not to let financial crisis become a human crisis and urged them urged to make the ‘fair go’ a priority.
Speaking at the recent Diversity@Work Awards in Melbourne, Sir Bob said in the midst of the greatest financial crisis in 100 years, Australian businesses must keep diversity and equality for all in the workplace a priority.
He said the awards have got bigger because the issue has got more urgent.
Sir Bob awarded the Small/Medium Diversity Champion award to Northern Territory financial services provider The Traditional Credit Union. The organisation was founded by Aboriginal elders who wanted to provide sufficient banking and financial services to the Indigenous community, and is now dedicated to providing employment opportunities to the Indigenous community.
The University of Western Australia took out the major award for large businesses and Victoria University’s Elleni Bereced-Samuel was named Individual Diversity Champion for her tireless work creating innovative training and employment opportunities for the entire Melbourne community.
Brendan O’Connor, the Minister for Employment Participation, joined Sir Bob Geldof and World Vision CEO, Tim Costello, in urging the Australian business community to follow the lead of the Award winners, specifically addressing the advancement of women and Indigenous Australians in the workplace.
With over 110 nominations received this year, competition was high as the Australian business community gathered to acknowledge the contributions made by Australians in creating a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees.
CEO of Diversity@Work Mark Heaysman believes that the number of nominations and the quality of winners proves that Australia is serious about adopting inclusive employment practices.
He says the enthusiasm showed at the Diversity@Work Awards proves that Australian businesses recognise both the importance and inherent value of promoting a diverse workplace.
