Whitsunday women encouraged to lead in the Boardroom

The Bligh Government wants to tap into the skills and experience of Whitsunday women by convincing them to make themselves available for appointment to Queensland Government boards.

As part of the Whitsunday/Mackay Community Cabinet, Minister for Women Margaret Keech will meet business women at Airlie Beach today (Tuesday) to encourage more of them to consider boardroom roles.

“Women are still under-represented on boards and in leadership positions in Queensland, and the Mackay-Whitsunday region is no different,” Mrs Keech said.

“Despite women making up almost 50 per cent of the workforce, only 3 per cent of companies have a female CEO.

“Research by the Bligh Government’s Office for Women shows companies with more women on their boards perform better than those with little representation by women.

“Women possess special skills. It is not simply a matter of equal opportunity, but is good business to tap into these skills.”

Mrs Keech said the Government’s Women on Boards strategy aims to increase the number of women appointed to Queensland Government boards.

“The strategy aims to actively recruit women with appropriate skills and experience through its goal of women making up 50 per cent of all new appointments to government boards.”

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt helped bring together the region’s business women and leaders.

“We want to ensure they know there are a wealth of opportunities being offered through Bligh Government initiatives,” Ms Jarratt said.

“The Government is committed to gender equity. One of the ways we can do this is by improving opportunities for women.

“We know business women make ideal appointees, and we want to give them the chance to use their skills and leadership qualities on government boards.”

Ms Jarratt said there are over 400 Queensland Government boards, ranging from commercial entities to advisory bodies.

“Women can find out more about opportunities for board appointment on the Office for Women website and follow the link to our Women of Boards strategy,” she said.

“Drawing on women’s expertise is smart workforce planning in the Smart State as we combat the skills shortage.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Matthew Hyde 3235 9236