Women key to Queensland’s productivity, growth and future prosperity 

By Business Chamber Queensland

Business Chamber Queensland’s Future of Women in Business Report, delivered in partnership with Australian Retirement Trust, shows advancing women in business is an economic imperative that will shape Queensland’s future performance, resilience and prosperity. But action is needed to unlock that potential. 

Queensland women are already building the economy of the future, establishing businesses, creating jobs, leading organisations, adopting new technologies and driving growth in industries and communities across the state. 

But persistent, systemic barriers continue to constrain women’s workforce participation, career progression, business growth, leadership opportunities and long-term financial security. 

Concerningly, the research showed businesses expect progress towards gender balance to remain gradual, rather than seeing the significant change needed. 

Business Chamber Queensland Chief Executive Officer Heidi Cooper said the depth of capability, ambition, strength and experience of women across the state’s business community is formidable. 

“Women are running businesses, leading teams, creating jobs and driving growth in communities right across our state and they want the opportunity to do even more,” Ms Cooper said. 

“At a time when businesses need skilled people, experienced leaders, and entrepreneurial talent, Queensland cannot afford to underutilise the capability already in our workforce.  

“Queensland’s future growth will depend on making the most of all our talent. Women must be central to that economic conversation.” 

Entrepreneurship was a significant feature of the research, with 54% of respondents already business owners. Among those considering starting a business, access to finance, attitudes to risk and confidence were identified as ongoing challenges. 

“Queensland women are not simply participating in our economy. They are building it,” Ms Cooper said.  

“Removing unnecessary barriers to women’s entrepreneurship is not only good for individual business owners, it will also strengthen Queensland’s overall business ecosystem and support greater economic activity across the state.” 

The report found barriers remained across women’s working and business lives, including workplace and management attitudes, access to mentoring and professional networks, the cost of retraining and upskilling, and access to finance and affordable childcare. 

Childcare affordability and availability was identified as a barrier by 39% of respondents, while 33% identified a lack of mentoring and 31% nominated the cost of retraining and upskilling. 

“Mentorship and sponsorship of female employees through dedicated business capability programs can play a significant role in supporting the progression of women into leadership positions and were identified as crucial to retaining skilled women in work.  

“Women do not lack ambition, capability or commitment. Too often, it is the systems and structures around them that limit their ability to participate, progress, lead or establish and grow a business,” Ms Cooper said.  

“The more successful we are at removing barriers to participation, progression and enterprise, the stronger and more productive our economy will be.” 

The research found women were ready to be part of the technological transformation of Queensland workplaces. Almost two-thirds of respondents, 62%, expected AI to affect men and women equally, while the findings also highlighted the importance of access to digital skills and training to ensure women are not disproportionately impacted.  

“Women need to be at the centre of Queensland’s technological transformation, building businesses, leading teams and shaping how new technologies are used across our economy,” Ms Cooper said.  

The report also highlighted a gap in long-term financial security between women and men.  

Almost 40% of women who responded to the survey said they did not believe they had enough superannuation to retire comfortably, compared with 28% of men. 

Respondents identified higher incomes, easier access to financial advice and voluntary super contributions as measures that could help build stronger retirement savings. 

Australian Retirement Trust Acting Chief People and Impact Officer Anne Fuchs said workplaces have an important role to play in improving women’s long-term retirement outcomes.   

“A woman’s retirement outcome is shaped decades earlier, in her working life. Time out to care and flexibility that comes at the expense of career progression can both chip away at her super. That makes the gender super gap a workforce issue, not just a retirement one.   

“Employers who make it possible for women to keep progressing and leading at every stage of life will help close it and hold on to talent they can’t afford to lose.” 

The report is based on responses from almost 500 Queensland business leaders and professionals. 

Media contact: [email protected] | 0499 988 218