Media Statements

Government boards and committees rely on community members willing to offer their time, experience, expertise and advice. A cross-section of the community is needed to voice new ideas. For this to happen, it is imperative we increase the number of potential nominees through the OnBoardWA register.

To ensure our State reaches its full potential, we must also fully utilise the skills, insights, perspectives and experiences of women.

As a Government, we are responsible for many of the interventions required to close the gender gap. Gender balance on decision making bodies improves performance, provides representative leadership and produces real economic benefits. Our decisions are purposeful; we are working to generate positive change and create real opportunities for women’s participation.

I encourage everyone, especially women, to register with OnBoardWA to ensure a pool of talented and knowledgeable West Australians is available for selection to government boards and committees. For those of you who know a capable person, please encourage them to register with OnBoardWA.

Government boards and committees should reflect the diversity that we have in society. Sadly, currently they don’t go far enough. They should also be composed of the best expertise on offer, but by not having a gender balance we are missing out on a huge array of talent.

Government should be leading on this issue - and the McGowan Government is doing exactly that. We know that leadership is the key if we want decision-making bodies throughout our community to reflect gender equality.

I strongly encourage women who want to broaden their skills and give Western Australian women a voice: register with OnBoardWA and tell us what you can do.