Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Government Services
In a record-breaking week for women's leadership and representation, a new report has revealed more women than ever now sit on Australian Government boards.
The newly released Gender Balance on Australian Government Boards Annual Report 2023-2024 shows that women now hold a record high of 54 per cent of positions on Australian Government boards.
When reporting on gender balance on Australian Government boards first began in 2009, women represented just 33.4 per cent of board members.
Women also hold Chair and Deputy Chair positions at record levels, with women holding over 45 per cent of positions as at 30 June 2024 - an increase of 3 per cent compared to the year prior.
The report comes just days after the federal cabinet achieved gender parity for the first time in Australian history.
Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, said the Albanese Government is committed to advancing gender equality and ensuring that women are participating equally at the highest levels.
"Who sits around the table matters. When decision making and advisory bodies represent the community, they deliver better outcomes for everyone," said Minister Gallagher.
"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."
With the release of Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality in March 2024, the Government recommitted to its targets for women on boards and introduced new targets - for women to hold 50 per cent of Chair and Deputy Chair positions and 50 per cent of board positions at the portfolio level.
The 2023-24 report can be found on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website: Gender Balance on Australian Government Boards Report 2023-24 | PM&C(link is external)
