AGL Energy Limited’s (AGL) Loy Yang General Manager, Steve Rieniets, has won regional inclusion champion of the year at the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards for his dedication to building a safe and supportive workplace for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) employees.

Similarly, AGL has been recognised for its persistence in fostering equality and LGBTI inclusion through its ‘Shine’ program, and has moved into the Silver tier ranking. Overall AGL was ranked 13th amongst the 87 employers who participated in the index this year, and is in the top six publicly listed companies.

AGL Loy Yang General Manager, Steve Rieniets, said he was honoured to receive the award.

“I am thrilled to receive this award, but I can’t accept it without thanking the team for their hard work and enthusiasm to creating a better and more accepting workplace, free from prejudice, where people are comfortable to come to work as their authentic self,” Mr Rieniets said.

Executive General Manager Group Operations and executive sponsor of ‘Shine’, Doug Jackson, said AGL has made huge strides in supporting its LGBTI employees and customers’ diversity in the workforce.

“I’m really proud of what Steve and the team have achieved this year.

“AGL has worked hard to build a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTI employees both in our metropolitan and regional sites.

“It is very important to me that AGL is reflective of Austrlaia’s diversity. Data from our 2016 employee survey indicates that almost eight percent of our employees across our regional and metropolitan sites identify as LGBTI.

“AGL will continue to listen to, protect and advocate for our LGBTI employees and customers,” Mr Jackson said.

In 2015 AGL pledged its support for marriage equality and in 2016 sponsored the Melbourne Midsumma Festival and Sydney Mardi Gras Film Festival.

The AWEI sets the national benchmark for LGBTI workplace inclusion and in 2015 AGL was recognised for supporting its LGBTI employees when it was rated as one of the best performing first-time entrants to the AWEI. The benchmark is published annually by Pride in Diversity.

About AGL
AGL is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies. It is taking action to responsibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while providing secure and affordable energy to its customers. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL serves its customers throughout eastern Australia with meeting their energy requirements, including gas, electricity, solar PV and related products and services. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, solar, landfill gas and biomass.