Kinetic Co-CEO: This is about our people leaders stepping up when they need to

As Australasia’s largest bus operator successfully completes the White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program, Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards says the company was setting a standard of zero tolerance towards domestic and family violence (DFV) and building capability among its ‘people leaders’.

With a team of close to 7300 people across 92 depots in Australia and New Zealand, the accreditation demonstrates Kinetic’s organisation-wide commitment to addressing issues of gendered violence and sexual harassment against women.

Throughout 2022 many of Kinetic’s ‘people leaders’ undertook training on understanding and preventing domestic and family violence.

Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards said this was about our people stepping up when they need to and being able to identify and support those at risk or experiencing family and domestic violence.

“As we grow and build the diversity within our workforce, we are determined to continue to create a workplace where safety, wellbeing and inclusion is the standard,” says Mr Sewards.

“Like everything we do, this is about showing care. Care for our people, care for our community and care for the essential social infrastructure we operate.”

As part of Kinetic’s sustainability targets, the company is committed to equal representation and is targeting 50 per cent female representation by 2030. Kinetic is also a proud member of Pride in Diversity, the national not-for-profit organisation support program for LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion.

“As we have grown, so too has our responsibility, and it is critical that we commit to every opportunity possible to empower our people leaders and care for our teams."

“Workplaces significantly influence our attitudes, beliefs and behaviours and these initiatives are a vital part of enhancing our team culture, transforming our industry, and ensuring our sustainability into the future.

“It also helps us to continue to attract and retain talented individuals with a community focus and ultimately deliver transport services that communities can be proud of."

“We are fully committed to supporting White Ribbon Australia and empowering our teams with the knowledge and resources to better understand gendered violence and what can be done to prevent it.”

White Ribbon Australia Executive Director Brad Chilcott congratulated Kinetic and said violence against women impacts on the health and safety of employees, their wellbeing and their productivity.

“We urge all Australian workplaces to take the lead of Kinetic and demonstrate a culture of zero tolerance of violence against women,” he said.

White Ribbon Australia is a part of a global social movement working to eliminate gendered violence, striving for an Australian society where all women and children are safe, including in our workplaces.

If this update has triggered you or if you are experiencing Domestic and Family Violence, please know that help is available.

1800RESPECT is the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service. You can call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 for Police and Ambulance help.

Further enquiries
Barrett Gibson
GM - Marketing & Communications
0424 647 488
barrettg@wearekinetic.com