“Training pathways, retention challenges, and suitability gaps contribute to both occupational segregation and skills shortages, so it is not surprising that, as gender segregation intensifies, so does the likelihood of occupation shortages,” the report read.
Gender-segregated labour market
Australian Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the findings put Australia among some of the most gender-segregated labour markets in the world.
“The impact of our industry gender segregation is translating into real consequences for Australian families – longer waits to get a house built, expensive tradie bills, and stretched services everywhere from hospitals to aged care facilities,” she said in a statement.
“With evidence like this, addressing workforce segregation should be an economic priority for Government and the parliament more broadly.”