Premier, Mark McGowan, has called for more diversity on Western Australian boards and is seeking support from the business sector to boost female representation, following a meeting with senior women leaders at a Chief Executive Women’s forum.
The current proportion of women on WA Government boards and committees is 44 per cent, while in the corporate sector the percentage of women on ASX 200 boards is 26 per cent.
In September 2017 the State Government launched OnBoardWA, a website enabling members of the public to register their interest in sitting on government boards and committees.
Mr McGowan said the State Government is committed to fairness and achieving gender equality is at the heart of this commitment.
“Our society is stronger if we take full advantage of the skills and leadership qualities women bring to public life.
“I would encourage all women interested in sitting on a government board or committee to register with OnBoardWA.”
Minister for Women’s Interests, Simone McGurk, said, “It’s not only the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do. We know diversity makes good business sense and delivers results in the form of better decision making and improved financial performance.
“We have committed to increase the number of women on government boards and committees to 50 per cent. We believe the 50 per cent target is achievable.
“There is no shortage of capable and talented women willing to serve their community – we can maintain that momentum and achieve the target we have set for ourselves.”
Since its launch, more than 650 registrations of interest have been received with almost 70 per cent from women.
