Geographic diversity reports

The Australian Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion with respect to the composition of Australian Government boards, and considers diversity a fundamental component of creating a fairer, more inclusive Australia.

Australian Government boards, bodies and committees cover a wide range of responsibilities, including policy advisory boards, Government Business Enterprises, and review and enquiry boards. 

The Geographic Diversity of Australian Government Boards Report provides a state and territory comparison of the geographic diversity of board appointments.

Why is geographic diversity important?

The benefits of diversity to board governance and performance arise from appointing board members with different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and lifestyles.

One of the ways that this diversity is fostered is through appointing people from metropolitan, rural and regional areas across the nation to Australian Government boards.

The information below shows the population across Australia and the number of Australian Government board appointments in each State.

map showing geographic diversity of Australian Government board appointments

Geographic diversity of Australian Government board appointments

State Population* % Total Appointments** %
NSW

8,238,801

31

693

33

VIC

6,704,281

26

436

21

QLD

5,378,277

20

277

13

ACT

460,855

2

205

10

WA

2,825,178

11

190

9

SA

1,834,275

7

173

8

NT

250,149

1

56

3

TAS

571,596

2

43

2

Australia Total   

26,263,412

100

2,073

 100

 

*Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics as at 31 December 2022.

**Based on Organisations and Appointments data as at 7 July 2023 for the 2022-23 Financial Year.