For the first time in Australian history, women hold a majority of positions on government boards. 

The Gender Balance on Australian Government Boards Annual Report 2023–2024 reveals women occupy 54 per cent of positions, a dramatic increase from 33 per cent when reporting began in 2009.  

Representation in leadership roles has also reached new heights, with women now filling over 45 per cent of Chair and Deputy Chair positions - a 3 per cent rise since last year.

While 78 per cent of boards meet the target of 40 per cent female representation, it means over 21 per cent fall short.  

The progress coincides with another historic milestone: the federal cabinet achieving gender parity for the first time. 

“Who sits around the table matters,” says Minister for Women Senator Katy Gallagher.

“When decision making and advisory bodies represent the community, they deliver better outcomes for everyone.”  

Eleven out of 17 government portfolios now boast at least 50 per cent female representation. 

Leading the charge are the Finance and Attorney-General’s portfolios, where women hold over 60 per cent of board positions. 

However, areas such as Defence and Veterans’ Affairs continue to lag behind, with less than 50 per cent representation.  

The report also highlighted the success of new appointments. 

Women accounted for around 57 per cent of the 908 appointments made during the 2023/24 financial year - a 4 per cent increase from the previous year.  

In March 2024, the Government launched ‘Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality’, which introduced additional targets. 

By June 2024, seven portfolios had achieved 50 per cent or more women in Chair and Deputy Chair roles, up from four portfolios the previous year.  

Senator Gallagher has welcomed the progress, but says efforts must be made to maintain momentum.

“Not only do these results show the significant progress we have made in recent years, but they also set an example for both public and private sector organisations about what is possible when we commit to, and take steps to achieve, gender parity,” she said.

The Government plans to expand the scope of future reporting, including external and ex-officio appointments, to provide a more comprehensive picture of representation.  

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CareerSpot News