Kinetic achieves Silver accreditation in the Australian Workplace Equality Index

Kinetic has been awarded Silver accreditation in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) 2025, marking a significant step forward in Kinetic's journey towards creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees in Australia. 

The achievement represents a major milestone for Australasia’s largest bus operator, who first received Bronze accreditation in 2023 and has since implemented comprehensive initiatives to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion across its operations.

The AWEI is Australia's definitive national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, rigorously assessing organisations on their policies, programs and commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for all employees.

Madonna Hegerty, Kinetic's Executive General Manager (Australia) - People and Safety, said achieving Silver accreditation reflects the company's unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.

"This recognition is the result of genuine, sustained effort across our entire organisation to ensure every team member can bring their authentic self to work," Ms Hegerty said.

"From the installation of all-gender bathroom facilities in depots and gender affirmation leave policies to our Pride Network champions leading conversations in their communities across Australia, we're building workplaces where inclusion is felt every day.

"Our journey towards Gold accreditation continues, but today we celebrate the progress our teams have made in creating environments across the business where everyone feels valued and supported."

Driving meaningful change

Kinetic's path to Silver accreditation has been anchored by substantial organisational improvements and cultural initiatives, with the company focused on building genuine allyship through the organisation. Initiatives include:  

• Implementation of dedicated gender affirmation leave
• Rollout of all-gender bathroom facilities across the network, beginning with Victorian locations and expanding across Australian sites 
• Expansion of the Kinetic Pride Network with leadership representation across Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania
• Comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusion training for all managers and people leaders
• Improved engagement with employee feedback, to understand employee experiences and drive targeted improvements 

Kinetic’s visible support for LGBTQ+ inclusion extends beyond its workforce, with Kinetic's Pride Bus fleet continuing to spread messages of acceptance and love across Australian and New Zealand communities in which it operates.

Looking ahead

As Kinetic works towards AWEI Gold accreditation, the company remains focused on continuous improvement and innovation in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

Further actions the company is taking includes building more training and education into Kinetic’s leadership programs as well as reviewing its talent acquisition processes to improve inclusiveness.

Kinetic’s inclusion commitments form part of its broader sustainability strategy, alongside the transition to zero-emission electric buses and advancing gender balance across the organisation.

Learn more about Kinetic's commitment to diversity and inclusion at http://www.wearekinetic.com/diversity-inclusion.