The Australian Public Service is on track to reach its target of 50 per cent female representation on Government boards and committees with a record 47.3 per cent holding the positions at the end of 2018.
Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer said the results were the highest since public reporting began in 2010 and built on the significant improvements seen across other critical measures.
“There are now more women in work than ever before – with a record six million women in work – and more women in full-time work than ever before,” Ms O’Dwyer said.
“Pleasingly, women’s workforce participation has seen record highs, and is currently at 60.6 per cent.
“The gender pay gap has also reached a record low of 14.2 per cent.”
She listed a number of relevant reforms made in the past 12 months included support for the Fourth Action Planof the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022, the first Women’s Economic Security Statement, and a guaranteed minimum entitlement of five days unpaid family and domestic violence leave for all Australians covered by the Fair Work Act.
“Measures such as the Government’s Protecting Your Super package …. will help to protect the low and inactive superannuation accounts of over one million women,” Ms O’Dwyer said.
“When women do well, their families do well, and our economy and nation prospers,” she said.