I am pleased to announce that the Federal Government has taken
another step in securing greater choice for women with an initiative
to place more highly qualified women on Commonwealth boards and agencies.
The Government today launches the Executive Search Pilot Programme
in a bid to further increase the representation of women on over 750
board and agency positions within the Commonwealth Government.
Executive search firm Profile Ray & Berndtson will conduct a nationwide
search for suitably qualified women with high level skills across
a variety of fields.
The Government will also implement an "early warning system"
for all Commonwealth portfolios whereby the Office of Status of Women
will put forward details of suitably qualified women for upcoming
board vacancies approximately six months before any position arises.
Representation by women on Commonwealth Boards is now over 30 percent
but the Government will do more to provide additional support and
assistance for women in business.
The Government is also working with the Australian Council of Businesswomen
on a National Women's Leadership Project to select and train
suitable women candidates for possible appointments to private sector
boards.
Additionally, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia
(CEDA) has agreed in principle to supply mentors for participants
in the project and to provide networking at a very high level to maximise
opportunities.
The Government is also working with the Business Council of Australia
to identify the needs of women in small business and to foster a friendlier
environment for women entering small business.
These initiatives build upon my Government's strong commitment
to all women and will provide them with the choice, opportunity and
flexibility to develop their full potential in the workplace, home
and with the family.
27 March 1998