Universal design: renewing an “old” paradigm to realise Australia’s SDG commitments to equality and decent work for <i>all</i>

Purpose Australia is failing to meet its sustainable development commitments in areas linked to social and economic equality and decent work for all. Decent work for all, not some, by 2030 requires rethinking current approaches if Australia is to meet this aspirational target. This discursive paper aims to reinvigorate discussion about how Australia can progress its sustainable development goal (SDG) commitments to reducing inequality and creating decent work for all. Design/methodology/approach Applying a critical lens to current approaches to reducing workforce inequality through diversity management [diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)] in Australia, this article argues that current approaches alone will not progress Australia’s SDG commitments and proposes universal design (UD) as a human rights-based approach for realising these SDG commitments. An entry point for critical scholarship is to interrogate concepts and categories. Thus, this paper interrogates the concepts of “diversity” within the context of workplace DEI. Findings UD can support and uphold the SDG commitments if embedded as an underpinning paradigm within a human rights-based best-practice framework. This is in keeping with growing calls for Australia’s national policies and legislations to be grounded in human rights legislation and policy that leaves no one behind. UD is proposed as an opportunity to do just that. Practical implications Given Australia renewed its SDG commitments now is an ideal time to reinvigorate discussion about how best to reduce inequality and create decent work for all as there is a receptive political-economic context to enable such reform. Social implications This paper considers the inherent limitations of current DEI approaches for reducing inequality, raises awareness of potential harms associated with ‘othering’ and shows that current practices can unintentionally hinder progress towards decent work and equality. Originality/value This paper extends current thinking about UD by considering its application beyond “disability inclusion” to explicitly explore the UD paradigm as a means to realise Australia’s SDG commitments and ensure no one is left behind.