As at 31 December 2015, women made up 58.7% of the APS, but only 41.8% of the Senior Executive Service.
Men make up 64% of Senior Executive Service Band 2 and 3 levels. They also account for only 18% of part-time work take-up by all APS employees, which is further compounded by recent Australian research that indicated men are twice as likely to be denied flexible work requests than women.
The picture painted by these figures is a public service that is not ideally positioned to take full advantage of a contemporary and shifting workforce. A growing body of research shows that organisations with the most gender equality outperform those with the least, and gender equality in teams promotes an environment where innovation can flourish.
The case for change is therefore clear. Without recognising gender equality as a business imperative, agencies risk being left behind.
In the news
- Women, Government and Policy Making in OECD Countries
- The Review of Employment Pathways for APS Women in the Department of Defence
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Women in Leadership Strategy: Promoting Equality and Dismantling Barriers
- Treasury – Progressing Women: A Strategic Priority
- Advancing Women: Increasing the participation of women in senior roles in the NSW public sector
- Gender diversity needs a mixed team playing on a united front
- More women on boards would reduce gender equity gap
- Turnbull wants more women in top public service roles and more tech-savvy staff
Hard data
- Workplace Gender Equality Agency – Gender Workplace Statistics at a Glance
- Workplace Gender Equality Agency - Fact sheets and Statistics
- Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin – Employment of Men and Women
- Australian Bureau of Statistics – Economic Security: Gender Indicators, Australia (February 2016)
- Women in Australia - Catalyst infographic