Di Harris

Director General
Fairness and Resolution, Department of Defence

Di Harris heads the Fairness and Resolution Branch within the Department of Defence.  The role of this branch is to help Defence create and maintain a working environment in which diversity is valued and people treat each other fairly and with respect. The responsibilities of the branch include developing policies related to the employment of women in the Australian Defence Force, equity and diversity, multiculturalism, privacy, and the management of unacceptable behaviour. The branch also manages complaints from both military personnel and Australian Public Service employees within Defence.

Di’s background includes 25 years service in the Australian Army, retiring at the rank of Colonel in 2000. Highlights of her Army career included service as the Deputy Director of Military Intelligence; command of the Base Administrative Support Centre, Puckapunyal; appointment as the Director of Military Art at the Royal Military College Duntroon, where the Army’s young officers receive their initial training; and an eight month attachment to Parliament to work with the Defence Sub-Committee.

Di’s recent work in Defence has included initiating and implementing a range of changes to improve Defence’s handling of complaints, and a project aimed at increasing the female participation rate in the Australian Defence Force.