The department accepted all the review’s findings and developed a response plan, including 63 actions.
You can read the report in full PDF and the department’s response PDF.
The department and the division have been reporting progress on a quarterly basis.
A two-year review of progress towards culture change at the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) was completed in March 2026.
The two-year review, People, Culture and Change: The Journey of Reform for the Australian Antarctic Division PDF was conducted by independent organisational culture and change specialists Leigh Russell and Associates.
The review assessed the effectiveness of the Department’s response to the initial review that included 63 actions to bring about cultural change and make AAD workplaces safe.
Expeditioners and head office staff who work for the division, or who were part of the Australian Antarctic Program over the last few years, were invited contribute their views.
The review considered how the experience of working at the AAD has changed during the last two years since the 2023 Independent Review of Workplace Culture and Change at the AAD, focusing on:
- The current experience of working at the AAD’s head office and in Antarctica
- The impact of the Department’s culture improvement actions
- Identifying areas to strengthen and continue improving
The review found that the AAD has made meaningful progress in strengthening its culture, leadership and inclusion.
It also highlights that continued effort from both the organisation and individuals is essential to embedding positive behaviours and sustaining a respectful, high performing workplace.
Further information can be found on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s website