To quota or not to quota
Women remain under-represented in Australian business and politics, despite the proven benefits of gender diversity
Published 22 June 2017
A target to achieve 30 per cent female representation on the boards of Australia’s largest companies is ‘slipping out of reach’, a recent report by the Australian Institute of Company Directors warns.
In the first six months of 2017, the percentage of women appointed to the boards of ASX 200 companies has fallen, with just 17 appointments, compared to 40 male appointments, the report reveals. In Australia today 13 of the largest companies have no women at all on their board, as the target due to be met by the end of next year falters.
With the captains of industry failing to appoint women to the top table - The Policy Shop asks - should gender quotas in the workforce be mandatory?
Addressing this question is business leader and ANZ Chairman, David Gonski, RBA Board Member and Women’s Leadership Institute Australia founder, Carol Schwartz, and author and University of Melbourne Professor, Cordelia Fine who join host, Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
Episode recorded: 2 June 2017 The Policy Shop producers: Ruby Schwartz and Eoin Hahessy Audio engineer: Gavin Nebauer
Banner image: Shutterstock
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