Creating a more inclusive and diverse resources and manufacturing sector
Tasmania’s Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) welcomes the Governments support to making further progress toward more inclusive workplaces in this sector and in turn support member companies to attract and retain a more diverse workforce.
The business benefits which result from a more diverse workforce are beyond doubt and well researched and reported. Health and safety, teamwork, creativity, innovation, and financial performance are all enhanced when a diverse workforce is engaged in the objectives.
TMEC’s CEO, Ray Mostogl said, “While TMEC has jointly hosted with WIMnet, the annual Tasmanian Women in Resources and Manufacturing Awards for more than 6 years, gender diversity remains stubbornly placed between 10-15% which is well short of what the industry needs and wants. Tasmanian winners have taken out national awards on three occasions, so we know we have some of the best people in Australia in our sector”.
Ray went on to say, “Today some of Tasmania’s major industrials and manufacturers are very ably led by female General Managers and Executives. We have a range of culturally and gender diverse employees in key roles across the full spectrum and at all levels of the organisations, we just do not have enough diverse employees in the sector.
The funding will enable TMEC’s Inclusion and Diversity Committee, chaired by Shona Markham (Bell Bay Aluminium General Manager) to apply a part-time resource to advance the project with one-on-one with member companies to make more progress in removing barriers and increasing the attractiveness of the industry to a broader cross-section of the community.
Read more, including the release from Resources Minister Guy Barnett in the Tasmanian Times
Read The Examiner article featuring the 2021 Winner of the Exceptional Woman in Tasmanian Resources Award, Aleesa Shepherd who was honoured to be recognised for her work in the industry and believes the awards offer a valuable incentive for other women in the sector.