The Morrison Government continues to tackle gender inequity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the launch of a new women in STEM strategy.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Advancing Women in STEM strategy builds on a range of other Coalition Government programs.

“This strategy sets out the Coalition’s vision to improve the participation of women across all STEM fields,” Minister Andrews said.

“It outlines our enduring vision for an Australian society that provides equal opportunity for all people wanting to learn, work and engage in these fields.

“The document highlights where government can play a role in supporting increased gender equity across the sector, because we know a broader talent pool will grow the economy and create more jobs.

“It also highlights how government, industry, the research and education sectors and the community working together can achieve better outcomes for our girls and women, and for all Australians.”

New STEM initiatives funded through the 2019-20 Budget include an additional $1.8 million over the next three years to support the ongoing operations of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.

An additional $1.5 million over three years will support a digital awareness program to show young Australian women the importance of STEM to their future. 

These initiatives build on the $4.5 million allocation in the 2018-19 Budget which included support for the work of Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith as the Women in STEM Ambassador, and the development of a Girls in STEM Toolkit.

With 75 per cent of jobs of the future requiring skills across science, technology, engineering and mathematics, we know that arming all Australians with these skills will help them access these jobs – and this initiative is part of the Coalition’s plan to grow the economy and to help create 1.25 million jobs in the next five years.

To read Advancing Women in STEM, visit www.industry.gov.au/womeninSTEM

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070