Latest Australian publishing industry diversity and inclusion survey data released
The results of the second Australian Publishing Industry Workforce Survey on Diversity and Inclusion show progress is being made – but there’s still work to be done to meaningfully diversity the industry.
The 2026 report from the Australian Publishers Association and the University of Melbourne provides a demographic snapshot of the country’s publishing sector and the changes that have occurred since 2022.
This year's findings show that 3.3% of Australian publishing industry professionals identify as First Nations, a meaningful increase since the 2022 survey when fewer than 1% of respondents identified as First Nations.
The representation of other cultures in the industry has also increased: 12.5% nominate an Asian cultural identity, compared with 8.5% in the 2022 survey, while 31.7% of respondents identify with a European cultural background (other than British), compared to 10.5% in 2022.
73.5% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that their organisation values diversity and inclusion, with 73.2% feeling their organisation was making progress in addressing diversity and inclusion.
However, there was a striking gap between these answers and how respondents perceived the industry more broadly. Only 38.2% agreed or strongly agreed that the culture in the publishing industry is inclusive.
When asked about the efforts the industry has taken to improve diversity and inclusion, respondents noted four key areas:
More inclusive and thoughtful hiring practices: Respondents cited recruitment as a space in which they have seen actual change and concerted efforts. This includes dedicated roles as well as diversity being a determinant in decision-making, and recruitment for roles in-house as well as in hiring of freelancers.
Designated pathways: In addition to this, several more respondents referenced dedicated internships as a specific area where they had seen efforts made. The Open Book program was mentioned by respondents as a program that had been implemented and led to a more diverse workforce.
Improving knowledge and awareness: Third was the investment of time and resources by organisations and employees in training, education and professional development on topics such as cultural safety and awareness, anti-racism and inclusive practices.
Committed groups and individuals: A number of respondents had noticed the committees or working groups set up within organisations and across the sector and their work in leading conversations, initiatives and change.
While this data reveals some encouraging progress in diversifying the Australian publishing industry – it also shows that work remains to be done.
The Australian publishing industry workforce remains largely white, concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne, and is more likely than the general population to be privately educated and have a postgraduate degree.
In our mission to foster increased cultural diversity in the publishing industry, the Open Book internship program continues to:
Offer identified internship roles for First Nations aspiring publishing professionals
Focus on targeting culturally and linguistically diverse applicants
Provide alternative pathways into publishing – with no requirement for a school leavers certificate or university qualification
Offer internship placements in Brisbane and Perth, alongside the metropolitan publishing centres of Sydney and Melbourne
Provide cultural safety training to host publishers and their staff
Support interns with a culturally and linguistically diverse mentor with experience in the publishing industry
Open Book thanks the Australian Publishing Association and researchers from the University of Melbourne for investing in this report which provides a meaningful insight and accountability measure for the Australian publishing industry.
