The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As part of our commitment to supporting, representing, and educating Australian anaesthetists we embrace and value diversity within our membership and throughout the broader community and seek to reflect this across all areas of the organisation including:

• Governance: We strive to ensure diverse representation on our governance bodies, office bearers, volunteer committees, and event presenters. By embracing diverse perspectives, we enrich the decision-making process and enhance the overall effectiveness of the ASA.
• Access to Services: We are dedicated to providing equal access to the services and resources offered by the ASA. We actively seek to remove barriers and address any disparities that may exist within our membership and the wider anaesthetist community.
• Responsiveness: We recognise the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of our members and those who work with the ASA. We are committed to being responsive and adaptable to create an inclusive environment that fosters professional growth and well-being.

The ASA acknowledges that discrimination persists, and we are determined to make equality of opportunity a fundamental principle in all our activities. We strive to eliminate discrimination based on age, disability, gender and sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, and gender reassignment.

All members of the Board, committees, employees, and volunteers are expected to comply with this diversity policy and actively support the measures implemented by the Board of Directors to promote and monitor diversity and equity. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action. Employees who experience discrimination or harassment are encouraged to raise the matter through the ASA’s existing Human Resources policy and grievance procedures.

Appointment and employment considerations within the ASA will adhere to the principles outlined in this statement. When establishing partnerships and collaborations with external organisations, we will seek partners who share our commitment to equity and diversity and demonstrate this through their policies and activities.

For ASA facilitated events, we encourage organisers to promote diversity and inclusion by considering the following:

• Speaker Selection: Implement a transparent and unbiased process for selecting speakers, involving a diverse group of reviewers, and providing clear selection criteria. Avoid relying solely on personal networks to prevent perpetuating biases.
• Diverse Speaker Representation: Actively seek speakers from diverse backgrounds to invite diverse perspectives.
• Panel Discussions: Consider hosting panel discussions that include a diverse group of experts to provide a platform for multiple perspectives and encourage meaningful dialogue.
• Supporting Early Career Researchers: Provide opportunities for early career researchers to showcase their work, fostering their visibility and advancement within the field.

We recognise that promoting diversity and inclusion is an ongoing journey that requires continuous effort. The ASA is committed to regularly evaluating and enhancing our initiatives to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all anaesthetists.