Canberra, 13 February – The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) welcomes today’s release of the Pathway to Diversity in STEM final report as an important step forward in supporting greater diversity and inclusion in the STEM workforce.
TCA Acting CEO Ryan Black congratulates Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic on commissioning this important review and acknowledges the great work of the independent panel and thanks them for their efforts.
“We are pleased to see the report strongly emphasise the need to increase diversity and inclusion as an integral step to meet growing demand for a STEM skilled workforce and help reach the target of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030”. Mr Black said.
“Tech jobs are amongst the best-paid, fastest-growing and flexible jobs in the economy, with half the gender pay gap of other high-paying industries. Tech will be a core part of our economic future, but we know that not enough Australians from diverse backgrounds are working in these great jobs.”
“The TCA has been working since our inception to champion diversity and increase awareness of jobs in the tech sector to encourage more people into our industry.”
“The recommendations are comprehensive and recognise that everyone needs to work together to accelerate progress. This includes industry, Government and the education and academic sectors.” Mr Black said.
“There are some areas where the tech sector is achieving great outcomes such as representation of people from culturally diverse backgrounds, but there is still more work to be done. We recognise there are some key areas where we need improvement to ensure the tech workforce better reflects the diversity of our broader society, and we are working with our members on initiatives to improve this.”
TCA will continue to engage with its members on the findings of the report and looks forward to working with the Government on its response and its ongoing efforts to improve diversity and inclusion.
Ends
About the Tech Council of Australia
The Tech Council of Australia is the peak industry body for Australia’s tech sector. Providing a trusted voice for Australia’s technology industry, with over 160 members, the Tech Council comprises the full spectrum of tech companies.
We aim to advise and engage with Australian governments, businesses, and the wider community to help support the ongoing creation, development, and adoption of technology across industries. Our vision is for a prosperous Australia that thrives by harnessing the power of technology.
Media enquiries:
Sofia Polak, Akin Agency
0434 275 449
media@techcouncil.com.au
