First woman GG for Australia

The National Foundation of Australian Women (NFAW) congratulates Quentin Bryce on her appointment as Australia’s first female Governor-General for Australia.

Ms Bryce will become Australia’s 25th governor-general, and the first woman to be appointed to the role. She is highly qualified, having been the Governor of Queensland since 2003.

NFAW welcomes the appointment. “In recommending Ms Bryce for this position, the government is recognising the contribution she has already made to Australia, and is sending a confident message about the ability of women to play a significant part in Australian public life.”

“Having women in visible leadership roles when so many Australian women are still struggling for pay equity sends a powerful message ” said Jenni Colwill, NFAW Vice-President.

“While we have had some outstanding women in important positions, generally speaking women are under-represented in most leadership positions in Australia. We have fewer women board members, fewer women CEOs and fewer women politicians than many countries.”

“Twelve percent of senior executive positions are held by women in Australia, and women hold only 8.7% of Board positions.”

“Equal participation of men and women in decision making roles is important, particularly in government. Traditional discriminatory attitudes have a high cost to government, and also to business. More diverse leadership leads to business and government being better connected with their customers and citizens.”

“Today marks an exciting day in the history of Australia. The appointment of Quentin Bryce to be the Governor-General is a significant milestone on the road to gender equality in Australia.”

Media inquiries to:
Jenni Colwill, NFAW on 02 6238 3421