On Sunday May 17, Multiplex raised rainbow flags across Australia to celebrate the 30th anniversary of International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

This day represents the occasion the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. It is the second consecutive year that Multiplex has shown its support for the day.

Over 52 rainbow flags were raised on Multiplex sites in WA, NSW, Victoria and Queensland, including some of Victoria’s landmark new towers at Australia 108, Premier Tower and Capitol Grand.

Where sites were yet to have cranes or had recently dismantled cranes, flags and posters were hung inside offices to mark the occasion.

Multiplex CEO John Flecker says, “IDAHOBIT is an opportunity for us to celebrate diversity at Multiplex and support our LGBTIQ colleagues, while making a clear statement against discrimination in our workplace.

“It is important to me that our people feel safe – physically and mentally – to be their whole selves at work. We want an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and encouraged to express their ideas and opinions, and able to reach their full potential.

“I was really proud to see how well our sites embraced the day once again this year, and importantly, how it opened up discussion about inclusivity across our business and the construction industry more broadly.”

Multiplex started its Diversity and Inclusion committee in early 2019, being driven by the need for the construction industry to be more inclusive.

As well as supporting IDAHOBIT, the committee has organised a number of events and initiatives to help promote diversity within the industry.

This includes working with a group called Queers in Property (QIPs) to help start a network for LGBTIQ+ people in property and construction. The group aims to connect and support one another by building a safe and inclusive community, and change attitudes in the industry.