Big tick for bank’s LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices

BENDIGO Bank has achieved Gold Tier status on the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), the national benchmark for workplace LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The announcement was made at the 2025 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards in Sydney late last month.

First held in 2011, the Awards are based on the results of AWEI submissions, which allow Australian organisations to benchmark their LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices on an annual basis.

The Awards celebrate organisations demonstrating foundational and progressive efforts towards making workplaces inclusive and equitable for LGBTQ+ people.

Dawn Emsen-Hough, director of the AIDS Council of NSW’s Pride Inclusion Programs, said the ongoing commitment from employers shows that LGBTQ+ inclusion (isn’t) only the right thing to do, but delivers wide-reaching benefits.

“We’re seeing outstanding results in this year’s submissions, which clearly reflect how deeply many organisations value this work,” she said.

“With hundreds of organisations participating, it’s clear that LGBTQ+ inclusion is not a niche initiative – it’s a core part of creating equitable, high-performing, and supportive workplaces.

“Our data shows that when inclusion is embedded in workplace culture, it leads to stronger engagement, improved wellbeing, and better performance outcomes – not only for LGBTQ+ employees but for all staff.

“When organisations get LGBTQ+ inclusion right, everyone benefits.”

Bendigo Bank’s chief people officer, Fiona Thompson, said achieving Gold Tier status was a major achievement and indicative of the Bank’s dedication to equality and inclusivity.”We are incredibly proud of this recognition of Bendigo Bank’s continued and collective commitment to workplace equality,” she said.