Defence has announced it will work towards implementing a 50 per cent target for women’s participation across key research and innovation career pathways.
The change will apply to Defence’s Australian Public Service (APS) science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) entry level programs, including the STEM Cadetship Program and the Research and Innovation Pathway of the Defence Graduate Program.
The new target would double the women's participation rate in these entry level programs which currently stands at 25 per cent.
"Increasing diversity and representation in these key fields ensures that more people can benefit from skills and employment opportunities, and helps strengthen Defence’s capability," Defence said in a statement.
In addition to boosting women’s participation in entry level programs, Defence will also set a 50 per cent target for women’s participation for the successful pilot, the NAVIGATE program. Defence confirmed that based on the success of the pilot in 2022, NAVIGATE will now be an ongoing program.
The NAVIGATE program brings experienced STEM professionals into Defence from industry and academia. The aim is to 'broaden the diversity of Defence’s APS workforce while also providing participants with a unique experience and supporting them to thrive as STEM leaders'.
Participants typically complete two 6-month rotations in different areas of Defence before securing their ongoing placement within Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). This builds Defence-specific skills and supports individuals in discovering how they can contribute within the Defence context.
The NAVIGATE program received over 800 applications from the public and private sector STEM community in 2022. Defence reportedly set a target of 40 per cent women’s participation rate and achieved a rate of 43 per cent.
“Increased STEM targets at Defence open significant opportunities for women to amplify our Force's capabilities,” Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Defence said.
"We're backing efforts to attract STEM talent to Defence's challenging, yet rewarding, field of innovation and technology. NAVIGATE is our mechanism to build a team of top-notch specialists.
"NAVIGATE, launched with explicit gender goals, underscores that determined participation targets bring tangible results."
NAVIGATE applications close 25 June 2023.
“By setting targets for women’s participation in our STEM entry programs we draw more fully on our nation’s talent pool, allowing Defence science to deliver greater impact to the ADF," Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro added.
“Continuing to ensure the success of women requires strong leadership and a commitment to change, so I'm incredibly proud of these bold targets.
“Defence’s transformation agenda includes becoming an exemplar in attracting, training, retaining and providing career opportunities for women. These measures demonstrate in practical terms how we are taking steps to achieve this.”