Former South Australian Senator and Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja AM and Mirvac director Elana Rubin have today been announced as Champions for the Federal Governments women on boards network, BoardLinks.
With just 15.2 per cent of board positions in the ASX top 200 held by women, the Government is taking action to improve participation by women on boards.
Launched in November last year, BoardLinks is supporting more Australian women into leadership positions to help increase female representation on public and private sector boards.
Ms Stott Despoja and Ms Rubin join other BoardLinks Champions Gail Kelly, David Gonski, Catherine Livingstone, Carol Schwartz and Elmer Funke Kupper.
As Champions, Natasha and Elana will help promote the network, as well as identify and encourage strong female candidates to consider an Australian Government board position, Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator Penny Wong, said.
Im very pleased to have Natasha on board as she has always been a strong voice for women and consistently campaigned for gender equality, in South Australia and nationally.
Likewise, Elanas extensive private sector knowledge and experience on government boards makes her a great asset for BoardLinks.
These appointments were announced at the second Boardlinks networking event, held in Melbourne today.
BoardLinks provides a springboard for women to secure board experience, which, in turn, helps expand the pool of women that can be considered for private sector board appointments, Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins, said.
The Champions are integral for getting more women involved in the network, while also playing an important mentoring and training role.
Ms Stott Despoja said: Im excited to work closely with the other BoardLinks Champions to help open up networking opportunities and leadership positions for talented women.
Ms Rubin said: "Im thrilled to be one of the BoardLinks Champions, and to be able to introduce talented and capable women to non executive director opportunities."
Women are nominated to BoardLinks by the Champions, along with major organisations and professional bodies, leading ASX companies, and not-for-profit representatives. Australian Institute of Company Directors Australian Government scholarship recipients will also be invited to participate in the Network.
For more information visit www.boardlinks.gov.au