The New South Wales government has released the results of its annual Women in Construction survey, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in promoting gender diversity within the construction sector.
The survey, which garnered over 1,000 responses from construction workers and businesses across the state, reveals a notable increase in female participation in the industry.
According to the survey, the number of women entering the construction workforce has risen by 12.5 per cent over the past year.
Women now comprise 20 per cent of the construction workforce among the businesses surveyed, marking a significant step towards greater gender diversity in the sector.
Despite this positive trend, the survey identified several key challenges faced by both men and women in the industry.
A lack of work-life balance was cited by 62 per cent of respondents as a major concern, while 51 per cent pointed to a lack of flexible working hours.
Additionally, 47 per cent of participants highlighted insufficient mentoring and leadership training as a significant issue.
The survey also uncovered statistics regarding gender-based discrimination and harassment.
A staggering 69 per cent of women reported experiencing some form of gender-based discrimination in the past year, while 33 per cent disclosed instances of workplace sexual harassment.
In response to these findings, the NSW government is taking proactive steps to address these challenges.
The government is leveraging its procurement power to ensure contractors implement flexible workplace policies and develop mentoring programs to support women’s long-term success in the industry.
Several major infrastructure projects, including the Mulgoa Road Upgrade Stage 1 and the Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment, are piloting the Culture Standard through the Culture in Construction Taskforce.
This initiative includes capped working hours and a five-day workweek, with initial findings suggesting improvements in the recruitment and retention of women in construction.
Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, emphasised the government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in the industry.
“The NSW government is currently building some of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, and we want women’s participation in these projects to be a standard in the industry and not the exception,” Haylen stated.
The government has also announced $2.2 million in funding to support initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining women in construction and building more inclusive workplace cultures.
The Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program is working with industry partners to implement flexible workplace policies and create a more appealing career path for women in the sector.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, acknowledged the progress made while emphasising the need for continued efforts.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but this report shows that targeted programs, like Women in Construction, can produce positive results,” Whan said.
As the construction industry in New South Wales continues to evolve, the government’s commitment to addressing gender disparities and creating more inclusive workplaces remains a priority.
The insights gained from this survey will guide future initiatives and policies aimed at increasing women’s participation and improving working conditions for all in the construction sector.
