The Australian Financial Complaints Authority’s (AFCA) Chief Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer, David Locke, has been named CEO of the Year at the 2024 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards.

The award recognises the outstanding support, promotion and contribution of an organisation’s most senior leader to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

“This recognition is a testament to David’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, setting a powerful example for leadership in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all,” AFCA’s Independent Chair, Professor John Pollaers said.

Mr Locke said: “I’m honoured to receive this award, which is a reflection of the great work everyone has done to make AFCA an inclusive employer where everyone can thrive. I am passionate about AFCA being a workplace where we are all valued, not in spite of who we are, but because of who we are; a place where there is no ‘other’.” 

“We want all of our people to feel safe, supported and empowered to bring their whole selves to work, and key to achieving this is to ensure that inclusion and fairness is ingrained in our DNA. This then empowers our people to deliver fairer, more equitable and human-centred experiences for the many diverse communities that we serve.”

In the past 12 months, AFCA has launched its Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy and three-year action plan. The plan outlines the steps AFCA will take to ensure all employees feel safe and respected and are able to bring their full selves to work. The results of the most recent Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) survey revealed that AFCA scored above the benchmark in all categories. 

AFCA also established three new Employee Resource Groups this year, adding to its existing LGBTQ+ Ally Network. These groups aim to promote engagement and foster a sense of belonging among employees, particularly those with disabilities, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with family and carer responsibilities.

This latest award comes after AFCA was named the best place to work in the Government, Education, Not For Profit and Utilities sector in the AFR Best Places to Work annual list.

These awards are hosted by Pride in Diversity and recognise Australia’s top organisations for LGBTQ+ inclusion based on the results of the AWEI.

Published: 3 June 2024

Media enquiries: media@afca.org.au