Queensland Celebrates Appointment of Women to Over Half of Board Positions

The government has selected 14 women to occupy 21 positions within Queensland’s government-owned companies.

The Queensland Labor government has highlighted the appointment of women to the boards of major government-owned corporations. Out of 21 positions across seven state-owned companies, 14 have been filled by women, leading to female representation at 55 percent—a 3 percent increase from the previous year.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick emphasized that this move is focused on achieving equality and diversity. He stated, “Publicly-owned enterprises play a crucial role in water, energy, transport, and finance across Queensland. The strength of Queensland’s government-owned corporations distinguishes us from other jurisdictions, making it essential for these businesses to be overseen by capable boards with diverse experiences.”

“Through these appointments, we continue to surpass our target of having 50 percent of women on Queensland Government Boards,” he added.

Labor has a history of implementing female quotas in politics. In 1994, the party adopted a mandatory 35 percent preselection quota for women in winnable seats in all elections by 2002. This was later expanded with a goal of achieving 45 percent female representation by 2022 and 50 percent by 2025. According to the Australian Parliament website, over half of the world’s countries have established quotas for the inclusion of women in politics.

Quotas ‘Appalling’: Newman

Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman expressed concerns about this practice. “Quotas are appalling policy,” he told The Epoch Times. “It deviates from selecting the most qualified individual for the job.” Mr Newman, who held the position of the state’s premier from 2012 to 2015, also noted a potential negative impact on the confidence of female employees, who may feel like “diversity hires” in private discussions. “This isn’t fair to them,” he mentioned. “I have two daughters, and I know that’s how they perceive it as well.” He emphasized his support for programs that empower women in leadership roles but emphasized that appointments should be based on merit, especially in key industries.

The 7 Queensland State Companies

The seven state-owned enterprises will implement these changes commencing June. Electricity provider CS Energy will introduce four new board directors in Mark Carkeet, Kellie Charlesworth, Alison Smith, and Kimberley Swords. Energy Queensland’s board will include new members Kev Kehl and Megan O’Hara Sullivan, as well as reappointed members Karen Lay-Brew and former Labor Attorney-General Paul Lucas. Stanwell welcomes three new directors in Kara Cook, Laurie Lefcourt, and Jane Schmitt, while Marianna O’Gorman has been reappointed. The Gladstone Ports Corporation appointed a new chair in Adrian Noon, with Ryl Gardner being reappointed. The Port of Townsville saw the reappointment of Danielle O’Toole. The Queensland Investment Corporation will see the reappointment of Brett Himbury and Susan MacDonald, while Seqwater has appointed former Labor state MP Anthony Lynham as the new chair and reappointed Penny Tovey. Sunwater Directors Stuart Armitage and Leeha James have also been reappointed.