The APA and our members are committed to fostering and supporting a book industry and culture that serves the needs of all Australians, and increasing diversity and inclusion in the industry.
In 2022 the Australian Publishers Association announced its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive book industry that serves the needs of all Australians. A Diversity and Inclusion Working Group was also established to advise on action to support the desired change.
In particular, the APA is focussed on:
- supporting First Nations writers, publishing and readers
-
ensuring reading is for all
-
embracing and facilitating diversity in our own companies
-
ensuring our technologies and products are inclusive
D&I Working group
The current working group members are:
- Rachel Bin Salleh OAM (Magabala) – Co-chair
- Rosina Di Marzo (NewSouth) – Co-chair
- Astrid Browne(Hardie Grant)
- Momo Chavez (Hachette)
- Niki Foreman (freelance editor and advocate)
- Angela Glindemann (Books+Publishing)
- Kajal Narayan (Pantera)
- Lilly O'Scanaill (Wiley)
Key projects:
First Nations publishing resources
The APA has collated resources to support publishing staff in working with First Nations creators, communities and stories. Developed with input from our D&I Working Group and Magabala Books, this collection shares best practice guidance on:
- cultural protocols
- contemporary editing practices
- building meaningful relationships with Indigenous authors and communities
- respectful approaches to production, promotion and distribution
Resources are included from Indigenous organisations such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), Aboriginal Studies Press, Magabala Books, and Terri Janke and Company, among others.
View the resources here.
Diversity and Inclusion Plan for Australian publishing
The APA, together with the D&I Working Group, has developed a Diversity and Inclusion Plan for the Australian publishing industry. It comprises:
- Eight recommendations to improve diversity and inclusion in the Australian publishing industry
- An action plan for the Association with four areas of focus, to support and track progress in the industry
Read the Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2024-25.
Reference group
The APA’s D&I Working Group is supported by input from publishing staff across the industry, through a wider reference group that all interested industry members are invited to join.
Reference group members will be called upon from time to time for their expertise on specific diversity and inclusion issues, and to provide further opportunities to share solutions and ideas.
For further information about joining the Reference Group, Working group, or our work on Diversity and Inclusion please contact industry development manager Andrea Hanke.