The NSW Government today announced a targeted consultation process to investigate ways to increase the number of women on NSW Government boards and committees.
The consultation process will involve key stakeholders and experts, including:
• Ms Elizabeth Broderick, Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner;
• Women on Boards;
• The Australian Institute of Company Directors;
• The Business Council of Australia;
• Sydney Business Chamber;
• NSW Business Chamber;
• Chief Executive Women; and
• The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Minister for Women, Jodi McKay, said women currently make up around 37 % of membership of NSW Government boards and committees. “This is good compared to the private sector, where just 10% of the top 200 Australian Stock Exchange listed company directors are women, but we can do better.”
She adds: “That’s why the NSW Government is undertaking a targeted consultation process to encourage more women on our boards and committees. We will also involve the private sector in this consultation process, working together to ensure women gain greater representation on boards and committees.
“Throughout the process we’ll investigate a range of issues, including the benefits of gender targets, family friendly guidelines, or even legislating. The outcomes of these discussions will assist the Government, and possibly the private sector, to develop policy proposals in this area.”
McKay said the consultation will build on measures the NSW Government has already taken to increase the representation of women on boards and committees. “In 1995, the NSW Government established the NSW Government Register for Boards and Committees. The register provides a list of potential candidates to fill board and committee positions, and is consulted by Ministers and Government departments. The NSW Government encourages women to place their names on the register, and as at June this year 693 women were registered.”
The register can be accessed at www.boards.dpc.nsw.gov.au and a copy of the consultation paper is available at www.women.nsw.gov.au
