News in 2009

ASX Corporate Governance Council Recommendations on Diversity
Women on Boards has welcomed the announcement on 7 December 2009 by the ASX Corporate Governance Council of a proposal to expand the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations to require each entity listed on the Australian Securities Exchange - on an “if not, why not?” basis - to adopt and disclose a diversity policy that includes measurable objectives relating to gender.

25 per cent a feasible target by 2012
ASX200 companies should aim to achieve a minimum of 25 per cent female directors by 2012, according to leading advocacy group Women on Boards.

States shown up in new study of ASX200
There are fewer female directors on the boards of ASX200 companies in South Australia and Western Australia than in any other states a new study has found.

Keeping the Boardroom Honest
A new campaign to kick start effective measurement and reporting of women’s participation on boards was launched today.

Jackson Report – A Better Deal for Australian Women
The National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) and Women on Boards (WOB) welcome the recommendations of the Jackson report from the Parliamentary Inquiry into pay equity and associated issues related to increasing female participation in the workforce.

Landmark survey supports quotas for boards
A landmark survey of female directors has revealed more than 50 percent support legislated gender quotas for public listed (ASX) company boards.

Conference leaves delegates inspired and motivated
The 2nd Diversity on Boards Conference provoked some interesting discussion about the hot topic of quotas. Keynote international speaker, Arni Hole (pictured), from Norway, was persuasive and passionate in her vindication of her Government's decision to legislate gender quotas for boards of their public companies. David Gonski, chair of the ASX, was equally so in his argument against such a move in Australia.

Women add bite to Sharks
The appointment of Women on Boards members, Jenny Reynolds and Denise Aldous, to the Cronulla Sharks Football and League Clubs is a milestone in the role of women in sport. They are the first female directors in the Shark’s history, heralding a new era at the club.

Women on Football Boards
Kate Grieve is the first female elected to the board of the Fremantle Football Club in its 15-year history. She joins 11 other women who sit on the boards of the 16 Australian Football League Clubs. Over at the NRL the situation is not quite so rosy, with four women on 16 club boards. In both codes, more than forty per cent of fans and club members are female and the game is widely watched and played by women. (June 2009)

WOB success on well connected boards
Two WOB members, Helen Wiseman and Jenny Reynolds, have been appointed to the MIA board and will be active in the building and development of this multi-million research institute for Australia. Congratulations to them both.(April 2009)