Australia’s top female entrepreneurs not in favour of quotas to boost women in senior ranks

An exclusive SmartCompany survey of Australia’s top female entrepreneurs has revealed most are not in favour of suggestions the Federal Government should introduce quotas or other regulations to encourage female participation at executive and board levels.

The survey of 30 leading female entrepreneurs, including Fernwood founder Diana Williams, Red Balloon founder Naomi Simson and Ross Human Directions chief executive Julia Ross, is part of SmartCompany’s inaugural Top Female Entrepreneurs list, which ranks more than 45 of Australia’s finest businesswomen.

The survey found just over 60% of respondents were against the idea of quotas, with most believing board and executive positions should be decided on merit.

“The free market should prevail without any government regulation,” Sandra Boyle, founder retail chain WILD Cards and Gifts said. “Nature will take its course and in time women will be fairly represented on boards.”

Carmelina Pascoe, co-founder of My Coffee Shop, is also against the idea.

“The best person for the job should be the person that’s hired. What needs to change is the perception that a man will be better BECAUSE he is a man. I work in a male dominated industry and would enjoy dealing with a better balance of females but not at any expense. Perceptions and expectations are what need to change.”

Powercom Group chief executive Diane Tompson believes women do not want to progress simply because of a quota system.

“Having just recently been given the first ever award to a women from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, I object to being told that I got an award because it was ‘time’ to give it to a woman. I want to be awarded things on merit.”

But some of the top entrepreneurs believe the treatment of women in Australia’s corporate ranks won’t change without decisive government action.

Sylvia Wilson, chief executive of international franchise Bark Busters, says there is only a token number of female positions available and believes the appointment of women to boards is “highly political”.

“For example, I am the founder and director of the largest dog training company in the world (also with the largest dog training company in the US) and my opinion or expertise is not being sought by any canine management government department – this is untapped knowledge being wasted.”

Julia Ross, chief executive and founder of listed recruitment firm Ross Human Directions, is another who believes action is warranted on the issue of female participation.

“I regret that such a discussion is even necessary; however it seems that such measures may be required in order for high-achieving, talented females to have equitable access to opportunities.”

SmartCompany’s Top Female Entrepreneurs list is one of the few comprehensive lists of Australia’s best businesswomen.

The entrepreneurs, who generate more than $3.6 billion in sales each year, are headed by Kathmandu founder Jan Cameron, Sussan Group owner Naomi Milgrom and Julia Ross.

You can read the full list here.

Our Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs: