Unlocking Potential: Emerging Women Leaders in Government

Women constitute a majority of the public service workforce across both Australia and New Zealand, yet equitable representation declines at senior leadership levels. In the Australian Public Service, women make up around 60 % of employees. Still, gender pay gaps persist — with average remuneration gaps in the broader public sector estimated at around 6.4 %, compared to more than 21 % in the private sector; and while the APS has narrowed its own internal pay gap to near 4–5 %, leadership representation imbalances remain a challenge for many agencies.

Backed by research feedback: Women are underrepresented in tech and AI leadership, and without deliberate action, the rise of AI could make this gap worse. - Daniel Livesey, Assistant Secretary GovAI, Australian Government Department of Finance  

Emerging women leaders are often so focused on operational work that they have little time for strategic thinking, limiting their leadership development. Targeted training helps build strategic skills while managing operational responsibilities. - Denise De Keyzer, Director Digital Technology, CIO, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

Women face challenges balancing caregiving, visibility, and networking. Safe spaces, mentorship, and confidence-building are crucial to support their leadership progression. - Sonia Minutillo, Privacy Commissioner, Information and Privacy Commission NSW