Latest findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) labour force data show that the number of women employed by Australia’s resource industry has risen to its largest quarterly increase in eight years.
The statistics reveal the number of women working in the resources industry increased by 8,000, bringing the female percentage to 17.1% of the workforce in the three months to May 2016. The figure increased the total number of females in the resource industry to 38,500.
In contrast, the number of men employed in the resources industry decreased by 6,600 over the same period, with males in the industry totalling 185,800.
According to the ABS, women continue to be most prominently employed in the ‘metal ore mining’ sector, with 12,300 women employed in this sector. However the greatest increase in female participation was identified in Australia’s ‘exploration and other mining support services’ sector. 3,900 more women now work in this sector. In addition, 1,800 more women work in the industry’s ‘coal mining’ sector and 1,200 more women work in ‘oil and gas’.
Part time jobs in the resources industry also increased to 3% of the workforce, with the majority of these new roles occupied by women.
AMMA Executive Director – Industry Services, Tara Diamond, said ‘The statistics indicate that despite market challenges impacting the workforce structures of many Australian resource organisations, employers remain committed to prioritising their diversity strategies in recognition of the positive impact diversity has on organisational performance and competitiveness.’
View the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ latest data on Australian migration levels or read about Interstaff’s history in assisting the resources industry with migration advice.
Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics and AMMA
