On 9 March 2023, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen hosted a Women in Energy and Climate Symposium at the Australian Parliament House to commemorate International Women’s Day.
Women from the energy and climate sectors discussed how gender equality and diversity would help Australia meet its energy and climate goals.
Equality Initiative Ambassador and Chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission Anna Collyer stated that by embracing gender, culture, age, ethnicity, and life experience diversity, the sector would create better solutions.
“We need every available talent, every kind of perspective, applied to the fundamental transformation of the energy sector for us to reach net zero by 2050,” Collyer said.
Collyer added that reducing barriers to STEM qualifications and professions for women is a critical priority.
According to Member of First Nations Clean Energy Network and Executive Director of Original Power Karrina Nolan, diverse viewpoints in the energy and climate sectors will ensure that all households can access safe and cheap electricity.
“The transition [to clean energy] is a moment in which we ensure that every single First Nations household right across the nation can access solar, batteries and clean, affordable power,” Nolan said.
Collyer stated the need to overcome the hurdles that prevent industries from attracting talent and diverse ideas.
“In order to harness that talent in our organisations, we need to diagnose our particular barriers, learn from others how we can do things differently to overcome those barriers and then put real resources behind the solutions,” Collyer added.
