Female engineers are being encouraged to put their hand up for an important Queensland Government initiative, as part of its efforts to create a better gender balance within its boards and committees.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to have all its boards and committees comprise 50% of women by 2020, and is encouraging industry and not-for-profit organisations to do the same.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now being sought from suitably qualified civil/structural engineers for the State Government’s Building and Development Dispute Resolution Committees (BDDRC), in a bid to have the committees comprise 50% of women.
While the gender parity targets have seen the inclusion of women on Queensland Government boards improve from 8% to 39%, areas like mining, transport and building and construction, which traditionally employ engineers, remain under-represented.
On the plus side, however, in recent months the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland and the Services Trades Council have welcomed a significant number of new members.
Research shows that gender parity on all Queensland boards and committees will deliver $87 million in productivity gains without requiring more workers or additional hours to be worked.
The BDDRC plays an important role in assessing building complaints if consumers are dissatisfied with a building, plumbing and planning decision made by their local government or a private certifier.
Referees are appointed for up to three-year terms, with training and support offered during that period. Free seminars advise of legislative and industry changes and give referees the chance to share experiences and review significant appeals.
Becoming a referee on the BDDRC will provide a number of valuable benefits, including an opportunity to network with key industry professionals, be part of a team that provides a public service by helping resolve building and development issues, and gain new skills and knowledge.
Female engineers with relevant industry experience are encouraged to express their interest, by emailing their name and contact details or calling 1800 804 833.
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