Australia’s Department of Defence has been slammed for asking applicants about the pronouns they use, whether they are “non-binary”, and whether they identify as LGBTIQ+.
Sky News host Steve Price says the entire Australian Defence Force would “only fill half of the MCG”.
“One of the stats that stood out today that I found really would shoot it home to people – the entire numbers in the Australian Defence Force would only fill half of the MCG, which has a seating capacity of around 105,000,” Mr Price told Sky News host Sharri Markson.
“We’ve got 60,000 in total in our defence force.”
The very first question Australians are asked when applying for jobs on the government’s official Department of Defence APS careers website is “which pronouns do you use?”, with the available answers being: “He/Him”, “She/Her”, “They/Them”, and “I choose not to disclose this information”.
After listing their name and address details and being asked to confirm they are an Australian citizen, Department of Defence applicants are asked another series of “workplace diversity” questions.
These include whether their gender is “non-binary”, “gender-diverse”, or “X (indeterminate/intersex/unspecified)”; and whether they “identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning (LGBTIQ+)”
United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet described the application forms as “woke garbage”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Recruits are advised their diversity information will not be provided to the selection panel, but if they opt into the “RecruitAbility scheme” the selection panel “will be made aware to consider any necessary arrangements”.
The application forms explain the purpose of the diversity questions as helping Defence “implement strategies and initiatives to support our people and create an inclusive workplace culture”.
“Defence is committed to reflecting the Australian community we serve and we recognise the diversity of our staff is one of our greatest assets,” the application form states.
The Department of Defence is under fire for asking job applicants about their pronouns and sexuality. Picture: Defence Department APS Careers Website
Australians wanting to apply for public service jobs at the Department of Defence are faced with a series of “diversity” questions on the first page of the application forms. Picture: Defence APS Careers website.
Sydney radio host Mark Levy hit out at the Department of Defence for the “woke” application forms.
“Those wanting to become a soldier or sailor or fighter pilot are also asked about their sexuality… Can you believe this? Could you imagine what the Anzacs would be thinking?” he said.
“Did anyone care about their pronouns or sexuality? Did anyone ask them the question before they stormed the shores of Gallipoli? Did anyone ask them if they identify as He/Him or They/them?” Levy asked on his radio program.
“These brave men – yes, men – who lost their lives protecting the freedoms that we enjoy today. Fast forward to 2024 and the woke brigade are our infiltrating our defence force.”
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A department spokesperson defended the questions by claiming they were necessary to attract and retain the best people for the job.
“Defence capability is reliant on our ability to attract and retain the best possible talent regardless of background, gender, age, culture, religion, ability or sexual orientation,” the spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph.
“Diversity and inclusion are critical to the successful delivery of Defence’s mission. It is important that the Defence workforce reflects the communities that we serve.”
But Levy said Australia’s defence capability depended on the “men and women who are willing to risk their own lives to defend this wonderful country”.
“Why do we care what they identify as? I want to know if they’re in the right physical and mental shape to do the job,” he said.
Australians wanting to serve in the Australian Defence Force are not asked about their pronouns. Picture: ADF Careers website
United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet also hit out at Defence, describing the application form as “woke garbage” and said Australia’s enemies would be “laughing at us”.
“It has been reported that the Australian military has enough ammunition to fight a war for just one week and we don’t have anywhere near enough soldiers… The military should be focused on that instead of wokeness,” he said.
Despite the criticism from Levy and Senator Babet, the diversity questions are only included on application forms for public service jobs at the Department of Defence, not applications to join the Australian Defence Force.
Australians wanting to serve in the nation’s military are directed to apply online through the ADF Careers. Potential recruits are asked to state their gender, but the only two options available are “male” and “female”.
The public service jobs listed on the Department of Defence APS Careers site include roles such as Project Management Officer, Executive Assistant, Security Adviser, Communications Technician, and General Counsel – Legal and Policy.