Queensland Trumpets Appointment of Women to 55 Percent of Board Positions

Queensland Treasurer and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick has praised his party's move to increase the number of female directors in government-owned companies. Jono Searle/Getty Images

The Queensland Labor government has trumpeted 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, taking female representation to 55 percent—a 3 percent increase on last year.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said the move was about equality and diversity.

“Publicly-owned enterprises play a vital role in water, energy, transport, and finance across Queensland,” he said in a statement.

“The strength of Queensland’s government-owned corporations sets us apart from other jurisdictions, so it is critical these businesses continue to be overseen by capable boards that bring a breadth of experience,” he said.

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

Labor has a long history of 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.

Labor later expanded on that quota with a goal of 45 percent female representation by 2022, and 50 percent by 2025.

According to the Australian Parliament website, more than half of the world’s nations had developed quotas for the inclusion of women in politics.

Quotas ‘Appalling’: Newman

Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman expressed concern about this trend.

“Quotas are appalling policy,” he told The Epoch Times. “It gets away from the best person for the job.”

Mr. Newman, who served as the state’s premier from 2012 until 2015, said there could also be a detrimental element for the confidence of female workers, who may feel like “diversity hires” behind closed doors.

“It’s not fair on them,” he said. “I have two daughters and I know that’s the way they feel about it too.”

The former premier said he was a supporter of programs to develop women in leadership roles, but that appointments should be based on merit, especially in key industries.

The 7 Queensland State Companies

The seven state-owned enterprises will implement the changes from June.

Electricity provider CS Energy will have four new board directors in Mark Carkeet, Kellie Charlesworth, Alison Smith and Kimberley Swords.

Energy Queensland’s board will consist of new members Kev Kehl and Megan O'Hara Sullivan, as well as reappointed members Karen Lay-Brew and former Labor Attorney-General Paul Lucas.

Electricity provider Stanwell Corporation has three new directors in Kara Cook, Laurie Lefcourt and Jane Schmitt, while Marianna O'Gorman has been reappointed.

The Gladstone Ports Corporation has a new chair in Adrian Noon, while Ryl Gardner has been 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 a new chair in former Labor state MP Anthony Lynham while Penny Tovey has been reappointed.

Sunwater Directors Stuart Armitage and Leeha James have both been reappointed.