Female workers are continuing to grow in construction roles across the New South Wales construction sector, but growth has slowed, and discrimination and harassment remain widespread.
According to the government’s Year 3 Women in Construction Industry Survey Report, there has been a 3 per cent increase in women in construction roles over the past year, but growth has slowed compared to 12.5 per cent in 2024 and 13.8 per cent in 2023.
The survey report also found that discrimination and harassment remain widespread, with 32 per cent of workers experiencing gender-based discrimination or sexual harassment in the past year. Among women, this figure rises to 70 per cent, with site-based workers reporting higher rates at 76 per cent.
Infrastructure NSW Chief Executive Tom Gellibrand said: “Three years of data shows us where progress is being made — and where we must do better.”
More businesses have introduced gender-inclusive policies, but workers have reported little change in how these policies are felt or implemented, suggesting a gap between policy adoption and real-world impact.
Workforce retention is driven by respect and opportunity. Women are more likely to stay in the construction sector if they experience career progression, job flexibility and a respectful workplace culture.
Overall satisfaction in the sector remains positive, with 72 per cent of women and 76 per cent of men likely to stay in the sector over the next five years.
The NSW government’s Women in Construction Program, which recently reached the initial three-year program timeline will be extended to continue delivering key initiatives to build a diverse workforce.
Under the initial timeline, the program awarded AU$5.9 million in grant funding to encourage the participation and retention of women.
It completed a pilot program which embedded 19 project officers across 23 government infrastructure projects to drive increased targets for women in trades and non-traditional roles.
