Our dedicated staff and students leading LGBTIQA+ diversity and inclusion work at ECU.
The Silver Employer honour reflects a 20 per cent increase in ECU’s benchmark score from the previous year in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI).
The AWEI is the national tool used to assess LGBTQ+ inclusion across Australian workplaces.
The result places ECU among the country's leading universities for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
ECU is now joined by Murdoch University at the Silver level, while Platinum recognition was awarded to RMIT University, the University of Sydney, and UNSW Sydney, and Gold awarded to Griffith University, Macquarie University, the University of Queensland and Victoria University.
Professor Matthew Allen, ECU’s LGBTIQA+ Executive Ally, said the award demonstrates ECU's ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic barriers for LGBTIQA+ people.
"This award recognises the sustained, behind-the-scenes work of many people across ECU who are committed to reducing systemic barriers and creating meaningful cultural change," he said.
"We are proud to stand alongside other leading institutions as we work to improve the safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people in higher education."
In the past year, ECU has introduced new and developed existing initiatives, including a revamped LGBTIQA+ Ally training program for staff, implementation of gender affirmation leave, and all-gender bathroom blocks which will be available alongside gendered facilities at ECU City Campus, opening Semester 1, 2026.
Professor Sophia Nimphius, Chair of the Pride at ECU Advisory Committee and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sport) said the result is especially meaningful in the current political and social climate.
"This recognition reflects ECU's bold and unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, even as we see increasing backlash and polarisation in public discourse," she said.
"Creating a university where LGBTIQA+ people are seen, respected and celebrated is not a side initiative, it is core to who we are."
This work is led by ECU's Pride at ECU Advisory Committee, LGBTIQA+ Ally Network Leadership Team, and LGBTIQA+ Staff Network Working Group – key committees and groups that drive inclusion efforts across the university.
Their work is guided by ECU’s Equity and Inclusion Plan 2022–2026 and is supported at all levels of the institution.
Note: Pride in Diversity uses the acronym 'LGBTQ+' to reflect their expertise in diverse gender and sexuality. ECU uses the acronym 'LGBTIQA+' and engages with the expertise of intersex organisations in addition to our work with Pride in Diversity.
