Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The ANATS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Subcommittee is committed to fostering a professional and musical community where all individuals feel welcome, valued, and supported. This subcommittee was assembled in 2024.

Our role is to:

Facilitate conversations that promote awareness and integration of DEI principles within ANATS.
Provide informed recommendations to the ANATS National Board on matters of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Observe and reflect on how ANATS’ policies and practices align with these principles, advocating for continuous improvement.
Proactively challenge and advise the Board when decisions or actions fall short of ANATS' commitment to DEI values
Act as a conduit for member and wider community concerns, ensuring their voices are heard and advocating for meaningful change within the organisation.

We believe that a shared responsibility for inclusivity strengthens our Association and enhances the experiences of all members. Through ongoing self-reflection and action, we strive to cultivate a professional environment where everyone can thrive.

Contact the DEI Committee

Have a question? An idea you want to suggest? Be a part of change? Contact the DEI Subcommittee directly.

Report an incident

When reporting an incident, you may be required to share your identity to the DEI Subcommittee Chair. This is to ensure that they can advocate for you and provide meaningful resolve. You can elect to remain anonymous outside of communication between you and the DEI Subcommittee Chair.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee

Chair: Freya Meredith-Hanson (she/her)

Debbie Grace

(she/her)

Curtis Bayliss

(he/him)

Nadine Manion

(she/they)

News from the DEI Committee

April 22nd, 2025: As part of our commitment to maintaining best practice and creating safe, respectful learning environments for all, we are introducing a new Physical Contact Consent Agreement (PCCA) policy. This will be in effect at all ANATS events from April 21st, 2025.

What does the policy include?

1. No physical contact of demonstration singers under 18 years
Any singer under the age of 18 participating in an ANATS masterclass or demonstration will not be touched by the presenter under any circumstances. This is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the singer and the presenter.

2. Opt-in policy for singers aged 18 years and over
Adult singers may choose to give written consent for appropriate physical contact in a demonstration setting. This is done through the Physical Contact Consent Agreement, which is signed by both the singer and the presenter before the event begins. This Agreement will set out what types of physical contact the singer is comfortable with for that session. If no Agreement is signed, no physical contact will occur.

3. Verbal confirmation is still required on stage
Even with written consent, presenters will be required to ask the demonstration singer for verbal confirmation of consent before making any physical contact.

Presenters will be encouraged by ANATS to prioritise verbal instructions and demonstrations wherever possible.

4. ANATS oversight and support
At every event where a masterclass or demonstration occurs, an ANATS representative will be present in the room. This representative will be listed on the Agreement form and is responsible for ensuring the policy is followed and that both presenters and singers feel safe and supported.

If you are ever concerned that a breach of the Physical Contact Consent Agreement policy has occurred, we encourage you to reach out. You can do so by:

Emailing the National President directly, or
Using the reporting button above which provides the option to report through the ANATS DEI Committee. The committee will then raise the matter with the Board and monitor progress on your behalf.

This reporting process is designed to offer transparency, protect confidentiality, and support those who may not feel comfortable raising concerns directly with the Board or local committees.

We’re proud to be taking this step forward as a community. The new PCCA policy aims to support safer and more respectful learning environments. It also provides guidance to singing teachers within Australia who want to model best practice and build consent-based teaching into their everyday work.