QBE shows true colours for AFL's Pride match

QBE joined corporate partners, Sydney Swans’ supporters and LGBTI community leaders at AFL’s Pride match on Saturday to celebrate the important round and the insurer’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

QBE team members joined leaders from partner firms including Aon, Marsh and Deloitte at the SCG to see the Swans take on St Kilda, with many donning specially-made Pride merchandise as a show of support to its cause.

QBE CEO - Australia and New Zealand, Pat Regan addressed guests at the QBE celebration, including former Olympic swimmer Daniel Kowalski, former MasterChef contestant Courtney Roulston and Sydney Swans player Jordan Dawson.

Mr Regan said the event was an opportunity to celebrate QBE’s achievements in diversity and inclusion and was another way to keep the conversation at the top of the agenda.

“Both football clubs and the AFL should be congratulated on championing this initiative, which has already proven to help bring awareness and acceptance in the broader community.

“One of the reasons we’ve had a partnership with the Swans that’s endured more than three decades, is alignment of our values and this is another fine example of that.

“For QBE, maintaining a rich, diverse team, partner and customer base is not only the right thing to do – it simply makes good business sense. Our people and partners need to be as diverse as our customer base.

“We’re not just talking the talk - we have a devoted diversity and inclusion team and passionate pride committee working hand-in-hand with our executive leadership team, people and partners to make positive changes and help us champion supportive, open workplaces and communities.”

Mr Regan said QBE had made noteworthy progress in diversity and inclusion.

“Earlier this year we joined with SBS, Westpac, Qantas and Deloitte to sponsor the Australian human rights commission research around the business case for diversity.

“We’ve also recently removed the blanket exclusion for mental illness under our travel insurance policies, providing greater accessibility and inclusion.

“We’re proud to be local partner of, and event host for the global Dive In Festival in September, which is shining a light on diversity and inclusion issues, specifically within the insurance industry.”

Mr Regan wrapped up his speech on the night with the promise diversity and inclusion would be a continued focus for the organisation.

QBE Australia’s work in diversity and inclusion saw the organisation win the Australian HR Awards Best Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Program Accolade in 2015.

For further information please contact:
Emma Kerswell
External Communications Specialist - QBE Corporate Communications
Phone: +61 435 961 431
Email: emma.kerswell@qbe.com