Following the Secretary’s recent statement in response to a research study into diversity, equity and inclusion in the Australian Antarctic Division, Ms Leigh Russell has been appointed by the department to advise on, and provide recommendations about, various matters concerning the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), as well as about enhancing existing integrity processes and systems for the broader department.
Ms Russell is an accomplished leader with a reputation built on excellence and diversity – as a CEO, board director, consultant, author, leadership & culture lecturer, and coach. Ms Russell’s work with the department will lead to clear accountabilities for implementing improvements to our practices, to help strengthen our department’s pro-integrity culture and approaches to addresses unacceptable workplace behaviour.
Read the finalised Terms of Reference for Ms Russell’s work with the department.
Leigh Russell Review - Terms of Reference (PDF 176 KB)
Leigh Russell Review - Terms of Reference (DOCX 72 KB)
In the Secretary’s statement (linked above), reference is made to Ms Russell’s report being delivered to the Secretary by 12 December 2022.
Given the scope and complexity of Ms Russell’s review, the department has agreed to a request to extend Ms Russell’s appointment to early 2023. This will allow for additional engagement with key stakeholders and further work to understand how we can make the AAD a safer and more inclusive workplace.
Ms Russell is now expected to provide the Secretary with a report by late February 2023.
Contacting Ms Russell
You, or someone you know, may read the AAD-related research and find that it reflects your experiences as part of the Australian Antarctic Program, or the experiences of someone you know.
As part of her engagement with the department, Ms Russell can be contacted by former expeditioners and AAD employees, to receive their stories and feedback, and to engage with people about appropriate next steps.
If you would like to contact Ms Russell for this purpose, she can be reached at: confidential@russellperformanceco.com
Contacting the department
If you would like to make a complaint about any unacceptable behaviour you experienced, saw or heard as a former AAP participant, you can also contact the department’s Integrity team. This team is responsible for receiving and assessing complaints of unacceptable workplace behaviour and handles complaints confidentially.
If you would like to contact the department’s Integrity team regarding the information you have provided to me, they can be reached on 1800 434 010 or via Integrity.Inbox@dcceew.gov.au.