The Australian Human Rights Institute has undertaken research to identify the barriers and opportunities to recruitment, retention and progression of LGBTQ+ professionals and tradespeople in the Australian construction sector.
The research aims to map out interventions that build inclusivity of LGBTQ+ workers within the sector.
Why are we doing this research?
The construction sector is Australia’s third largest employer with projected employment growth in the future. Despite its prominence, the construction sector faces a skills shortage. It also remains Australia’s most male dominated sector.
While research has focused on why women’s participation in the construction sector has tracked backwards in the last decade, there is little understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ+ workers in the sector.
Investigating LGBTQ+ experiences in the sector is important for understanding, and then building and implementing strategies to promote inclusion and protect LGBTQ+ rights at work.
Who conducted this research?
The study was carried out by the following researchers:
Dr Natalie Galea, Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney
Dr Melissa Jardine, Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney
Reports
Galea. N. and Jardine. M. (2021), 'Building an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace: A blueprint for Australia’s construction industry', Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW: Sydney.
Media
- 'New UNSW research reveals barriers to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the construction industry', Max Kwok, Urban.com.au, 24 June 2021.
- 'LGBTQI+ construction workers say more support would help others come out', Andie Noonan, ABC News, 23 June 2021.
- 'Construction industry is lagging behind in attitudes to LGBTIQ+ employees', Nadine Silva, SBS News, 22 June 2021.
- Focus with Cassie McCullagh, ABC Radio Sydney, 22 June 2021.
Video
Collaborate with us
Our research projects and programs are supported by your contribution. Your giving is an opportunity to voice your values, make an impact, and make a difference by breaking silos between academic research and real-world problems to progress human rights.
You can support our work here by selecting 'Australian Human Rights Institute' under the 'I want to give to' menu.
This research was sponsored by the Lendlease Foundation.
