Media Releases by the former Minister the Hon Julie Bishop MP
The Hon Julie Bishop MP was the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues between 28 January 2007 and 3 December 2007.
Archived Media Releases
More opportunities for women in the minerals industry
Released: 29 May 2007
Released by: Former Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues – Julie Bishop
A publication examining the attitudes and experiences of women towards working
in the minerals industry, along with strategies to improve women’s employment in
the industry, was launched today.
The Howard Government, in partnership with the Minerals Council of Australia,
produced the Unearthing New Resources: Attracting and Retaining Women in the
Australian Minerals Industry publication.
The Minister for Education, Science and Training and Minister Assisting the Prime
Minister for Women’s Issues, Julie Bishop, MP, today launched the publication at
the Women and Mining Symposium in Canberra.
“This publication provides a solid foundation for the minerals industry to
implement practical strategies to improve its attraction and retention of female
employees,” Ms Bishop said.
“One of the key recommendations of the report is that the minerals industry needs
to investigate options for providing greater flexibility for both men and women with
family responsibilities.
“With women making up only eighteen per cent of the workforce in the minerals
industry, it is important we develop strategies to encourage women to enter the
non-traditional areas of employment which will address the skills shortages in the
industry.
“The minerals industry already offers a range of employment options for women,
and this publication will enable other employers to adopt these approaches, giving
greater opportunities for women and delivering a greater pool of skilled and
talented workers.
“The Howard Government congratulates the Minerals Council of Australia on
taking such a practical approach and recommends employers adopt the strategies
in this publication and women to consider the career opportunities available in the
industry,” Ms Bishop said.
Free copies of Unearthing New Resources: Attracting and Retaining Women in the
Australian Minerals Industry is available in electronic and hardcopy formats from the government website or by calling 1800 050 009.