EP#118: Be a CALD champion with Jim Betts

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector.

Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, talks about shaping his role as APS CALD Champion and why he wants leaders to take action to achieve equality.

Our recent episode on CALD representation in the senior executive left many of us and our listeners humbled. Australia’s public service is diverse, yet there is still some way to go to achieve true equality for CALD employees in its senior ranks.

This time, Jim Betts joins host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to talk about the Secretaries Board’s CALD compact to support inclusion and equality at the leadership level. Jim talks about his role as an advocate, encouraging other secretaries to champion the cause of CALD employees.

Jim also talks about his love for creating environments where others can thrive and bring their authentic selves to work and shaking up people’s pre-conceptions of what a senior public servant looks like.

Key tips:

1. As a leader, you don’t need to speak in management jargon to succeed, if that’s not who you are. You can be your authentic self.
2. CALD employees shouldn’t have to drive change alone – be a champion for their cause.
3. To create a sense of belonging, support your CALD employees in telling their stories and empathise with them.

Show notes:

• Secretaries Board communique: 9 October 2024 | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
• Why cultural and linguistic diversity matters | Work with Purpose

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