This report provides a statistical gender analysis of the composition of Australian Government boards and bodies for the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010.

The Australian Government is determined to see greater gender balance in the nation's top level boards and leadership ranks, to ensure economic growth and to tackle major challenges, such as our ageing population. To reinforce its commitment in this key area, the Government has committed to achieving a target of at least 40 per cent women and 40 per cent men on its boards by 2015.

As a gender snapshot, the number of female sitting members as at 30 June 2010 stood at
34.5 per cent. Five portfolios met or exceeded the 40 per cent target, up from three in 2008-09.

Across the reporting period, women held 33.9 per cent of the 5373 board positions active between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010.

Five portfolios had at least one woman on all their boards and bodies. Twelve of nineteen portfolios improved their representation of women.

83 of the total 509 boards and bodies recorded no female board members. 1564 new board members were appointed during the 2009-10 financial year. Of these, 34.9 per cent went to women.

Female board members represented more than 40 per cent of total new board appointments in six portfolios.

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