Gender Action Plan
Closing the Workforce Gap is Critical to Reaching Emissions Reduction Targets
To reach our emissions reduction targets, the smart energy industry is key. But right now, we don’t have enough workers to deliver at the pace and scale required.
Women’s participation in our industry needs to lift from 39% to at least 50% by 2030.
To achieve this, the Smart Energy Council has developed a Gender Action Plan for the entire smart energy industry.
Our Goals
CREATE RESPECTFUL WORKPLACES
Drive a cultural shift to embed a gender lens in business decision-making; to deliver a more inclusive and respectful workforce that provides opportunities, skills/training and favourable working conditions for women.
GROW INDUSTRY CAPACITY
Shape an industry that is inclusive and fit for purpose, so it can attract and retain women (600,000 jobs forecast to deliver 82% renewables by 2030) and lead us towards a safer climate.
LEVERAGE DIVERSITY
Achieve quality employment outcomes and economic empowerment of women in new jobs that are meaningful and local.
Men as Gender Leaders
Better equip our largely male-dominated industry to ensure workplaces are safe, appealing and inclusive for women.
A public communications campaign
Empower businesses to promote their leadership role in gender diversity and inclusion.
A community of practice
Guide the development of content, co-design solutions, encourage and support others taking action, and share knowledge on best practice.
Smart Energy Industry Gender Baseline Survey
In 2023 the Smart Energy Council conducted an industry baseline survey to determine workforce sentiment and organisational characteristics of the Australian smart energy industry.
The results of this survey were presented at Smart Energy Queensland 2023, alongside our CPD (continuing professional development) approved training program.
The survey results help us guide the Gender Action Plan’s work, shape the design of our communities of practice and will help us in tackling workforce gender disparity in Australia.
Join us in Gender Action
Is your organisation a smart energy leader in gender action?
We want to hear from you.
Shape our work, join us in our Communities of Practice
Communities of Practice are our online learning space to guide the development and solutions for improving gender participation in the Smart Energy workforce.
Our Gender Action Advisory Board
Arti Agrawal
CEO, Vividhata Pty Ltd
Alex Balsillie
program coordinator, Lord Mayor's chartiable foundation
Stephanie Bashir
nexa advisory, smart energy coucil board member
Joanna Kay
general manager, zero carbon hydrogen australia
Samantha Craft
Director and co-founder awise
Vice president, smart energy council & Committee Member, solar cutters
Megan Fisher
ceo & Director, energylab
Trevor Gauld
national Assisstant secretary, electrical trades union of australia
John Grimes
ceo, smart energy council
Anne Hellstedt
chair, college of leadership and management, engineers australia
Katie Hepworth
political & Strategic Advisor, Australian Manufacturing workers' union
Holly Taylor
head of strategy and partnerships, energy efficiency council
