LGBTQIA+ INCLUSION
At Westpac, we believe that everyone has the right to be their whole, authentic selves wherever they work, live, or do business. We’re proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community and our employees to thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of everything we do at Westpac. We create a safe and inclusive workplace for our LGBTQIA+ employees through trusted communities, education and awareness, celebrating days of significance, and actively speaking up in the moments that matter.
Our Employee Advocacy Group (EAG) for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies has over 2,500 members across all states and territories in Australia, New Zealand and at our other international locations. As an employee-led community, the EAG is focused on raising awareness, advocating for positive change, and building a supportive and caring community for our LGBTQIA+ employees to belong.
Gender Affirmation Support
We’ve introduced support for trans and gender diverse employees to affirm their gender in the workplace. This includes up to 6 weeks paid and 12 months unpaid leave to undertake gender affirming activities, and a return-to-role guarantee. Trans and gender diverse employees will also be supported in updating their details in our systems (e.g. name, gender, email address), ordering uniforms, educating colleagues, and communicating their affirmed gender to relevant colleagues and stakeholders.
Awards & Achievements
Westpac achieved the Gold employer status in the 2024 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI). Since 2013, we have actively participated in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) achieving Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum employer status. We continue to evolve the inclusion work we do to support the LGBTQIA+ community and our employees for a more equitable and inclusive society.
Celebrating moments that matter
Westpac is proud to celebrate days of significance to the LGBTQIA+ community. We hold multiple events and information sessions to raise awareness to celebrate Wear it Purple, National Coming Out Day, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT), Pride Month in June and many other important events.
Voting ‘Yes’ for Marriage Equality
Recognising the important role corporate Australia had to play in campaigning for equality for the LGBTQIA+ community, we proudly announced our support for voting ‘yes’ to marriage equality in 2017.
Regional Pride Partnerships
We’ve partnered with regional pride organisations to ensure all Australians can be involved in celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride. Our partnership strengthens our ties with the community and ensures everyone has access to celebrate and explore their identity in a safe and inclusive space, regardless of where they live or work.