New report gives Tasmania the tools to lift safety and support for women in male dominated industries

Unions Tasmania Media Release 18 February 2026

Tasmania’s transport, utilities and electrical (construction) industries are under sustained pressure. Skills shortages, high turnover and growing service
demands are affecting employers across the state.

Gender Equity Works captures the unfiltered experiences of women working across these industries in Tasmania, revealing why women leave – or never enter – operational and technical roles where they currently make up fewer than 5 per cent of the workforce, and what practical changes make workplaces safer, more stable and more effective for everyone.

Based on a statewide survey and in-depth interviews with Tasmanian women working in field-based and frontline roles, the findings point to a consistent pattern. Where workplaces are unsafe, inflexible or dismissive, women leave. Where leadership is clear, facilities are fit-for-purpose and systems support real flexibility, women stay – and teams are stronger as a result.

Jessica Munday, Secretary of Unions Tasmania, said the findings are an important prompt for practical actions to promote gender equity.

“This isn’t abstract theory – it’s real women, in real Tasmanian workplaces, describing what helps them do their jobs safely and well,” Ms Munday said. At a time when employers are struggling to staff essential services, the research makes clear that workforce stability and service delivery depend on equity measures being done right.”

Ms Munday said the project was deliberately focused on turning lived experience into practical action.

“Women told us very clearly what makes the difference: leadership that sets expectations, basic facilities that support safety, genuine flexibility, and mentoring that builds confidence and capability,” she said.

“These are not radical changes. They are practical steps that benefit employers as much as workers.”

The launch of Gender Equity Works marks the release of the project’s research report, alongside a practical toolkit and online training resources designed to help employers, workers and health and safety representatives identify risks, strengthen workplace systems and embed safer, more inclusive cultures across Tasmania’s essential industries.

Employers from these industries actively participated in the development of resource materials and will be trialing the developed resources in management inductions and professional development training over the coming months.

The Gender Equity Works project is delivered by Unions Tasmania and funded by the Australian Government through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women.