A research team has been engaged to undertake a new study to review current efforts, understand the state of gender equality in the Australian grape and wine sector and develop actionable steps, best practices and innovative ideas for gender equality.
This collaborative effort – with Australian Grape & Wine’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Wine (DEIW) Committee and funded by Wine Australia – will be undertaken by Charles Sturt University and the University of New South Wales.
Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Cole said the study will help the sector tap the depth of diversity, across the breadth of the sector’s value chain.
“Achieving long term sector profitability, resilience and sustainability means we must have the best people at the table. A vibrant future demands we look to broaden the expertise, experience and perspectives of those at decision-making tables across the value chain,” Dr Cole said.
Gender equality and diversity were identified by the sector as a priority through recent consultation for the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan.
“This research project will build on efforts made by the sector in recent years, recognising the need to progress these, providing evidence-based support for ongoing improvement,” Dr. Cole said. “Our goal is to equip the sector with practical resources to be more inclusive, fostering equality and diversity to strengthen business and sector performance.”
The research project is the result of Australian Grape & Wine’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Wine (DEIW) Committee working together with Wine Australia to identify opportunities to help the Australian grape and wine sector implement equity and inclusion outcomes.
“Promoting gender equality aligns with the strategic priorities of many primary industries,” said Ali Laslett, Australian Grape & Wine DEIW Committee Chair.
“The DEIW Committee identified several initiatives in our workplan, and we are delighted that our recommendation to provide practical resources for all businesses within the sector will be realised through this project. Our sector’s future success is built on practices that support and retain a diverse workforce.”
Charles Sturt University Associate Professor Larissa Bamberry said the research team had extensive experience exploring gender equity in the military, public sector and male-dominated trades, delivering high-impact reports and strategic solutions for gender equity.
“Our experience working with women in non-traditional roles across various industries informs our effective solutions for gender equity within the wine sector,” Associate Professor Bamberry said.
The project team will work with an experienced sector-led advisory group throughout the study.
Wine Australia is seeking expressions of interest for four additional members with the following credentials:
- one woman and one man under 30 years of age, with at least two years full-time experience in any role within the Australian grape and wine sector.
- two individuals of any age and gender with substantial experience in viticulture and vineyard operations from a small to medium enterprise, ideally located in NSW, ACT, Victoria, WA, Tasmania or Queensland.
Contact research@wineaustralia.com to register interest, include a brief paragraph that answers why you are the best person to be a member of the group, and attach a one-page CV. EOIs will close Monday 1 July 2024 at 4pm ACST.
