Positive discrimination: does it work?
Positive discrimination is controversial topic rarely taken lightly in realm of business and workplace relations. However, on Friday 29 July six industry leaders took on the topic at the annual Australian Institute of Management (AIM) Great Debate at the National Convention Centre.
Positive Discrimination is the practice of favouring an individual or employee based on that individual belonging to groups that suffer discrimination. This could be based on gender, religion, race or disability status, depending on the individual.
Canberra leaders and flocked to the event to celebrate the importance of diversity in society and the workplace, as well as enjoy a delicious lunch and chat with fellow industry members while raising some much-needed funds for local charity Kulturebreak.
As this was my first AIM Great Debate, I had no idea what to expect, but was assured that the funniest side often takes out the win.
The doors opened and we took our seats eagerly waiting for the debate to begin. Emceeing the event was The Footy Show’s female panellist Erin Molan – having started her career in the nation’s capital, Erin made the perfect host and injected her much-loved humour into the event.
The Rocky theme tune commenced and the affirmative and negative teams were announced. Championing the affirmative team was YMCA Canberra Executive Director Francis Crimmins, The Australian Financial Review Chief Political Correspondent Phillip Coorey, and social entrepreneur and founder of GG’s Flowers Nipuni Wijewickrema.
Starring on the negative team was workplace relations expert Amanda Daff, experienced property advocate Catherine Carter and visually-impaired motivational speaker Ben Pettingill.
With many great points raised on both sides – Francis pointed out the lack of diversity in the Liberal Party by showing a photo of the very pale and middle-aged male demographic of the current party. Nip put us in her family’s shoes and explained that knowing that her 17-year-old sister with down syndrome may never find meaningful employment – so she created GG’s Flowers.
However, the negative team pushed back with a powerful speech from Ben.
When Ben was 16 he lost 98 per cent if his eye sight overnight due to a rare genetic syndrome called Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Spending nights in tears, Ben didn’t want to be a box to tick or a burden on the workplace, he wanted to achieve things on his own merit, not because he has a disability.
Going slighty ‘power-mad’ with the adjudicators bell, Erin called the debate to a close announcing that the decision lied with the audience. With a roar from the crowd, the negative team claimed victory announcing that positive discrimination does not work.
With a silent auction and a raffle putting a bunch of hot prizes up for grabs, AIM General Manager Margaret Smith announced that a grand total of $6200 had been raised for local charity Kulturebreak – concluding a successful AIM Great Debate for 2016.
There are a number of AIM events just around the corner including National Networking Day at the National Press Club on Monday 29 August. This event aims to break two world records on the day including ‘Most people attending a business speed-networking event at a single venue and in multiple venues across Australia.’
Click here for more information on future AIM events.
Photo credit: Eldad Ohayon of Only My Lenses