Report tracks diversity in the space, spatial and surveying sectors

The SSS Diversity Leadership Network (SSS-DLN) has released its latest report on diversity, inclusion and belonging in the space, spatial, and surveying sectors across Australia and New Zealand. Building on their inaugural 2021 survey, this expanded research offers valuable sub-sector insights and provides a benchmark for organisations to measure progress against the broader sector and national workforce trends. ASDA partnered with the SSSDLN and the Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) to build on these inaugural 2021 survey results.

The message is clear: diversity and inclusion are no longer optional—they’re a strategic imperative. Evidence shows that inclusive teams not only attract and retain talent but are more innovative, adaptable, and better positioned to meet the needs of clients, communities and complex projects.

The report warns that when diversity is lacking, critical ideas and perspectives are lost—limiting the effectiveness of products, services and implementation. Conversely, inclusive workplaces foster creative problem-solving and community-driven outcomes.

SSS-DLN calls on all organisations and leaders in the sector to look beyond the skies—and into their own teams. Real progress, they emphasise, starts with individual commitment to change.

The Australian Space Diversity Alliance is committed to ensuring that the space sector reflects the rich diversity of our nation. By participating in the 2024 Inclusive Employer Index Survey, led by the Space, Spatial, and Surveying Diversity Leadership Network and the Diversity Council of Australia, we will gain a critical baseline understanding of the Australian space workforce's current state.

This data-driven approach empowers us to foster innovation, better decision-making, stronger collaboration, and long-term workforce retention. Diversity isn’t just a value, it’s a strategic advantage that will shape the future of Australia’s space industry. We encourage all space sector organisations to engage with this important initiative and help drive meaningful, measurable change.

Mapping progress: How the space sector is tracking on diversity and inclusion in 2024

We’ve analysed the latest diversity data to spotlight where Australia’s space sector stands today—and where there's room to grow. These insights from the broader Space, Spatial and Surveying report reveal how inclusive the industry really is in 2024.

Diversity in the space responses

• 51% have caring responsibilities, higher than the average 39% of the Aus workforce.

• 18.5% have a disability, higher than the average 9.4% of the Aus workforce.

• 20.5% identify as LGBTIQ+, higher than the average 11% of the Aus workforce.

• 0.5% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander, lower than the average 2.1%.

Inclusivity, where it shows

• 58% of respondents are in an inclusive team, higher than the average of 46%.

• 44% of respondents have an inclusive manager, higher than the average of 31%.

• Inclusion is good for people: workers in inclusive teams report being satisfied with their job, wanting to stay in their organisation, regularly receiving positive feedback, and feeling work has a positive impact on their mental health. 

• Inclusion is good for business: workers in inclusive teams consistently report their teams are highly effective, innovate, provide excellent customer service and work hard to make their teams succeed. 

  
  

The state of exclusion in the space industry needs work

• 39.7% of respondents Experienced Discrimination and/or Harassment in the Past Year, higher than the average of 30%. The source of this discrimination was high for senior leaders at 17.5% much worse than the average of 7.6%.

• Of that 39.7%, those that experienced harassment were likely to be from a non-inclusive team (86.7%).

• Working in non-inclusive teams, with non-inclusive managers, and in non-inclusive organisations significantly increases your risk of experiencing discrimination and/or harassment while at work.

ASDA welcomes the report and its call to action. As we build a more inclusive space industry, data-driven insights like this are essential for creating impact and sustaining momentum.

🔗 Learn more:

• Download the full report

• Download the space industry report

• Summary of key takeaways

Thanks to National Committee Member, Jacqui Tyack and Ambassador, Deb Travers-Wolf for being a part of the Steering Committee.