Equity, diversity and inclusion
At SMHS, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to delivering outstanding health outcomes for our community, now and into the future.
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2026-2030 (PDF 31MB) sets a clear direction for creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, contribute and feel they belong. It reflects a modern and responsive approach to equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practices into the way we work, lead, make decisions and deliver care.
We are committed to fostering an environment where:
- people feel safe to bring their authentic selves to work
- diverse perspectives are valued
- every individual is empowered to contribute to meaningful change.
As a health service serving an increasingly diverse community, we recognise that a workforce with varied experiences, backgrounds and perspectives strengthens our ability to innovate, respond to community needs and provide culturally responsive care.
The EDI Strategy 2026–2030 provides the framework for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion across SMHS, ensuring these principles are integrated into everyday practice and future-focused workforce initiatives.
The strategy focuses on six key priority groups as identified by the Public Sector Commission Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy (external site):
- Aboriginal people
- people with disability
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds
- people of diverse sexualities and/or genders (LGBTIQA+)
- women
- youth.
Turning strategy into action
Creating a truly inclusive workplace benefits everyone. When people feel valued, respected and supported, we foster stronger teams, more innovative thinking and better outcomes for those we serve.
A culture of inclusion helps us:
- attract, retain and develop diverse talent
- strengthen collaboration and employee experience
- encourage innovation and informed decision-making
- deliver more equitable, responsive and person-centred care.
To ensure our approach remains agile and responsive, the SMHS Workforce Strategy team works with employees, leaders and key stakeholders to develop annual EDI action plans aligned with the strategy.
The EDI Action Plan 2026–2027 outlines the practical actions, priorities and measures that will drive progress in the first year of the strategy. Annual action plans enable SMHS to respond to emerging needs, incorporate workforce insights and continuously strengthen our approach to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Together, the strategy and action plan create a roadmap to continue building a more inclusive, innovative and high-performing health service for our workforce and the communities we serve.
More information
Learn more about our commitment to:
- growing the representation of Aboriginal people in our workforce
- Disability Access and Inclusion Plan strategies and initiatives to provide people living with a disability, their families and carers have the same access to our facilities, services, employment and information as others in the community
- providing equal opportunities for consumers and staff from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through our Multicultural Action Plan
- SMHS career opportunities.
Contact us
Please address your email ‘Workforce Strategy’ and send to SMHS Human Resources.