The future of managing diversity in Australia

This chapter reviews the major drivers for managing diversity (MD) programs in Australia, including demographic changes, industry demands for skilled employees and the expansion of corporate social responsibility, also in regard to Labour standards. While these economic and social developments provided the impetus for change, MD arose in the years of a booming economy, and the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008 may have an impact on this and other organisational programs. This chapter discusses the role of human resource management (HRM) in MD and the potential for MD to occupy a prominent place among strategic organisational policies. MD is both a business and a social project, and the chapter discusses the role of trade unions and community organisations in shaping the unique pattern that is MD in Australia. We also reflect on the future of MD in Australia and the challenges facing MD