How the merit principle can protect public sector diversity
2025-03-17T09:00:00+11:00
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Canberra researchers say that if the merit principle is applied correctly in the public service it will increase diversity.
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New research from ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Canberra shows that attacks on diversity initiatives are unwarranted.
Diversity in the public sector has come under fire in recent months, most notably with US President Donald Trump dismantling initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the US government.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has said that culture, diversity and inclusion roles in the Australian Public Service (APS) and he has committed to slashing APS jobs, if elected.
The argument is that diversity has corrupted the merit principle of hiring ‘the best person for the job’, and instead ‘diversity hires’ are gaining employment over more meritorious candidates.
However, a new research report from ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Canberra has shown that these attacks on diversity initiatives are unwarranted, and that merit and diversity are compatible and result in better outcomes when applied together.
The research team, led by Associate Professor Sue Williamson, interviewed 76 public servants in the ACT, Queensland and Aotearoa New Zealand public services, including senior managers, selection panel members and job applicants.
A/Prof. Williamson said the research showed no evidence that merit was being sacrificed to increase diversity in the public sector.
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For media enquiries about this story and interview requests, please contactÌýElliot Williams,ÌýMedia Officer, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Canberra.
Phone:Ìý+61 2 5114 5149
Email:Ìýelliot.williams@unsw.edu.au
