ASIO desires and requires diversity
We seek to reflect the community we protect and recognise the value of diverse thinking.
We know that inclusion fosters innovation and creativity and increases productivity. It improves employee satisfaction and retention and ensures our people are physically and psychologically safe. Inclusion promotes equal opportunity and supports our people to be their best. We want every ASIO officer to bring their unique skills, experience, perspectives and whole selves to work.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan provide an insight into our commitment to being a workplace of choice, and fostering an environment of inclusion reflective of our broad Australian community.
Our staff-led networks form an essential part of creating a diverse culture and help shape and guide ASIO to be an inclusive employer. Our diversity objectives are set out in the ASIO Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion
ASIO is proud to be formally recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) is the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and drives best practice for Australian employers nationally. In 2024, ASIO achieved the AWEI Gold standard, recognising ASIO’s inclusion work and positive organisational culture. ASIO was one of only 7 public sector employers, and the first Australian intelligence agency, to achieve this status. In addition to achieving Gold accreditation in 2024, ASIOpen was a finalist for Employee Network of the Year, and Mike Burgess AM, Director-General of Security, a finalist for CEO of the Year. The assessment is rigorous and requires the development of robust human resource policies and guidelines to support LGBTQ+ employees and ensure inclusivity within the workplace.
ASIOpen – ASIO’s LGBTQ+ network – has a strong and active membership and is an integral part of ASIO’s supportive, inclusive and collaborative working environment. In 2026, ASIO has achieved the AWEI Gold standard for the third year in a row.
The ASIO Diversity and Inclusion Strategy reflects ASIO's commitment and recognises the benefits of being a diverse and inclusive organisation.
Learn about the historical efforts of one ASIO officer to overturn the government policy banning homosexual Australians from accessing highly sensitive information.
Reconciliation Action Plan
The ASIO Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan May 2020 – May 2022 (RAP), provides the framework for ASIO to build upon our appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and histories as a valued, recognised part of our shared national identity. The RAP provides an actionable plan to support and empower ASIO’s current and prospective Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues.
Our networks
aGENda
Our gender-equity network promotes equal opportunity for the ASIO workforce, regardless of gender. The aGENda network organises events and initiatives to ensure gender equity considerations continue to shape the corporate agenda. The aGENda network is committed to tangible outcomes through policy reform, awareness raising, research, advocacy and engagement with government for improved gender equity outcomes across the national security community.
ASIOpen
Our gender and sexually diverse network promotes an inclusive workplace culture and supports gender and sexually diverse employees to be open and authentic in the workplace. ASIOpen celebrates the benefits of inclusivity and drives reform on gender and sexually diverse issues through information sharing, hosted events and policy reform.
Ability
Our Ability network represents staff experiencing all forms of physical and mental health issues, neurodiversity and caring responsibilities. Ability advocates for increased awareness, acceptance and respect for all forms of ability within ASIO. Ability works in ASIO to overcome barriers to staff access and participation within ASIO’s physical environment, and to promote the acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity within the Organisation. ASIO is a proud member of the Australian Disability Network and Hidden Disability Australia, furthering inclusivity, empathy and support for employees and visitors with visible and invisible disabilities.
Introverts
Our Introverts network contributes to all staff being heard, recognised and valued for their contributions, regardless of how introverted or extroverted they are. The network champions diversity in thinking and communication style, and contributes to a positive workplace culture by progressing improvements to ASIO’s policies and procedures to support introverted employees to reach their full potential.
Mozaik
Our Mozaik network is ASIO’s cultural and linguistic diversity network. Mozaik advocates for, and on behalf of, ASIO’s culturally and linguistically diverse workforce, and collaborates with staff and management to develop tangible work programs to remove potential barriers to acceptance and opportunity.
Mudyi
ASIO acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and to their Elders past and present. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network is committed to reconciliation by fostering a culture where diversity is appreciated and supported, and which contributes to the coming together of Australians in an equal and inclusive society. Mudyi helps drive corporate initiatives that support diversity and improve the workplace experience for First Nations Australian people.
Parents network
Our parents network is for ASIO staff who are parents or are about to become parents, and helps parents – both while they are on leave and as they return to work – to navigate flexible and part-time working arrangements.