He led in AFCA's launching of its diversity, inclusion and belonging strategy
David Locke (pictured), chief ombudsman and chief executive of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), has been named CEO of the Year at the 2024 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards.
The award acknowledges the significant support and promotion of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion by an organisation’s senior leader.
“This recognition is a testament to David’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, setting a powerful example for leadership in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all,” said John Pollaers, AFCA’s independent chair.
In the past 12 months, AFCA has launched its diversity, inclusion and belonging strategy and a three-year action plan. The plan outlines steps to ensure all employees feel safe, respected, and able to bring their full selves to work.
AFCA also established three new employee resource groups this year, complementing its existing LGBTQ+ Ally Network. These groups aim to promote engagement and foster a sense of belonging among employees, particularly those with disabilities, diverse cultural backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and those with family and carer responsibilities.
“I’m honoured to receive this award, which is a reflection of the great work everyone has done to make AFCA an inclusive employer where everyone can thrive,” Locke said. “I am passionate about AFCA being a workplace where we are all valued, not in spite of who we are, but because of who we are; a place where there is no ‘other’.
“We want all of our people to feel safe, supported and empowered to bring their whole selves to work, and key to achieving this is to ensure that inclusion and fairness is ingrained in our DNA. This then empowers our people to deliver fairer, more equitable and human-centred experiences for the many diverse communities that we serve.”
The latest accolade follows AFCA’s recognition as the best place to work in the government, education, not for profit, and utilities sector in the AFR Best Places to Work annual list.
The Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards, hosted by Pride in Diversity, recognise Australia’s top organisations for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Want to be regularly updated with mortgage news and features? Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox – subscribe to our FREE daily newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
