It is widely observed that the Australian security industry is experiencing a skill crisis, with diversity being a key area of disparity. These challenges suggest that the sector is not operating as optimally as it could, given the growing evidence that a more diverse workforce brings greater innovative potential, strategic intellect and problem-solving capacity.

RMIT University in partnership with the Australian Women in Security Network have explored these diversity challenges by surveying those in the sector. These responses in combination with ABS data from the 2006 – 2021 Census data looks to provide a rich insight into how far the sector has come, and the work still to be done.

This study aims to gain an accurate picture of the security industry workforce in Australia. The goal of this study is to identify practical ways to expand and diversify the industry’s talent pool to best equip it for the growing challenges and demands it faces.

This report gives the Australian cyber security sector a clearer picture of women’s representation and an understanding of the factors that enable and impede their career participation and advancement. Its recommendations for action point towards the importance of de-biasing work cultures and adopting evidence-based approaches to enhance inclusivity and diversity in the sector’s broad systems and culture.