The newly-appointed Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator Arthur Sinodinos, has announced an intention to establish a women’s advisory to guide policy in the innovation sector.
Addressing the Women in Venture Capital Forum last week in Sydney, the Minister said he wanted his stewardship of the portfolio to be marked by an Australia-wide adoption of an “innovation mindset” and assured the audience that the Government is committed to overcoming gender imbalance.
Minister Sinodinos said: “…I intend to establish a Women’s Advisory Roundtable to provide advice on growing opportunities for women in industry, innovation and science.”
“I envisage it being made up of representatives from the private sector, research institutions and government, including senior executives and actual practitioners.
“It will deliver feedback on existing initiatives and inform the design of new policies and programs to nurture more successful female innovators,” he said.
Speaking on advances in gender equity in leadership, the Minister said that despite improvements, women are still under‑represented in several parts of the innovation ecosystem.
The Minister expressed disappointment that women make up only a quarter of the STEM workforce, “which delivers so many of the breakthroughs that entrepreneurs and investors turn into marketable opportunities.”
“We cannot afford to miss out on the brainpower and imagination of half the population if we want to realise our potential.”
This sentiment is the driver behind the AusBiotech’s hosting of the Women in Life Sciences Luncheon, which will be held in Sydney on 24 March (12.00 – 3.00pm).
AusBioetch’s Deputy CEO, Lorraine Chiroiu, will chair the speaking program, which will feature prominent and accomplished women in life sciences:
- Melissa McGregor - Managing Director, Pfizer Australia and New Zealand;
- Dr Elizabeth Eastland - General Manager, Strategy, Market Vision and Innovation, CSIRO; and,
- Jacqueline Savage - CEO and Founder, MedCorp Technologies.
The Luncheon will again this year provide the ideal networking opportunity for women at all stages of their careers, while celebrating and encouraging the successes of women.
Based on the theme of courage, this event will inspire women to pursue their goals and build their own success stories in the life sciences community. Tickets are available at the AusBiotech website.