Industry minister Karen Andrews has chaired a roundtable session on the Decadal Plan for Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) on the Gold Coast.
The event, organised by the Australian Academy of Science, was part of the national consultation sessions it is holding to develop the plan.
“As an engineer, the STEM subjects have been central to my achievements in life and I want to see girls and women have better opportunities to study these subjects and pursue the careers which flow from them,” said Minister Andrews.
"The plan will allow the science sector to take ownership of a comprehensive strategy to encourage more women to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields,” she added.
The Decadal Plan is part of a $4.5 million federal government initiative in the 2018-19 Budget, encouraging science and industry sectors to take ownership of a comprehensive strategy to increase female participation in STEM.
The Academy of Science is coordinating this strategy and feedback from sessions will be used in further development of the Decadal Plan.