Sustaining the Gender Balance on Australian Government Boards The Australian Government is continuing work towards a gender diversity target where women hold at least 40 per cent of Australian Government board positions. Equally, 40 per cent of these positions are to be held by men, and the remaining 20 per cent can be held by either gender. Demonstrated suitability and merit remains the driving principle of all appointment processes and diversity policy, as well as ensuring Government board positions are filled by the best candidates Australia has to offer. The Government has shown its commitment to fuelling the leadership pipeline with strong, confident and capable women, by partnering with a range of world class organisations. The Government is partnering with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to deliver the Board Diversity Scholarship programme. The programme has been significantly expanded, contributing $650,000 over two years to deliver 140 scholarships to targeted groups of women. A partnership between the Government and the Australian Mines and Metals Association has also been established to deliver the Australian Women in Resources Alliances E-mentoring programme. The Government is providing $440,000 over two years to the programme, which will support talented women in the mining and resources sector to advance their careers through mentoring and technical training. While Government has a vital role to play in boosting women’s representation in leadership and participation in the workforce general, it cannot work alone. Continued action and innovation from business is essential to boosting the presence of women at all levels of an organisation, specifically in leadership and decision making roles. The Government recognises the many initiatives underway in the business sector to promote women in leadership. For example in 2013, the Business Council of Australia set a target of 50 per cent female representation in all senior management roles in their member organisations within a decade. The Male Champions of Change initiative – established in 2010 by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Ms Elizabeth Broderick – comprises 21 men in November 2014 in senior leadership positions from business and the public sector, who are dedicated to advocating for the improved representation of women in leadership positions. The Government is also providing practical assistance to improve women’s representation on Australian Government boards, including through the BoardLinks Programme.
Sustaining the Gender Balance on Australian Government Boards The Australian Government is continuing work towards a gender diversity target where women hold at least 40 per cent of Australian Government board positions. Equally, 40 per cent of these positions are to be held by men, and the remaining 20 per cent can be held by either gender. Demonstrated suitability and merit remains the driving principle of all appointment processes and diversity policy, as well as ensuring Government board positions are filled by the best candidates Australia has to offer. The Government has shown its commitment to fuelling the leadership pipeline with strong, confident and capable women, by partnering with a range of world class organisations. The Government is partnering with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to deliver the Board Diversity Scholarship programme. The programme has been significantly expanded, contributing $650,000 over two years to deliver 140 scholarships to targeted groups of women. A partnership between the Government and the Australian Mines and Metals Association has also been established to deliver the Australian Women in Resources Alliances E-mentoring programme. The Government is providing $440,000 over two years to the programme, which will support talented women in the mining and resources sector to advance their careers through mentoring and technical training. While Government has a vital role to play in boosting women’s representation in leadership and participation in the workforce general, it cannot work alone. Continued action and innovation from business is essential to boosting the presence of women at all levels of an organisation, specifically in leadership and decision making roles. The Government recognises the many initiatives underway in the business sector to promote women in leadership. For example in 2013, the Business Council of Australia set a target of 50 per cent female representation in all senior management roles in their member organisations within a decade. The Male Champions of Change initiative – established in 2010 by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Ms Elizabeth Broderick – comprises 21 men in November 2014 in senior leadership positions from business and the public sector, who are dedicated to advocating for the improved representation of women in leadership positions. The Government is also providing practical assistance to improve women’s representation on Australian Government boards, including through the BoardLinks Programme.
gender_balance_aust_gov_boards__2013-14.docx