Reception in support of the Queensland Chapter of Chief Executive Women

Chair, Queensland Chapter, Chief Executive Women, Ms Megan Corfield, and incoming Chair, Ms Sue Johnson; distinguished guests. 

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here tonight. 

I am delighted to welcome such an accomplished cohort to Government House to honour the impact of the Queensland Chapter of Chief Executive Women. This gathering provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Chief Executive Women, founded by 15 trailblazers in 1985. 

Today, the organisation has 1,400 members and is a trusted voice on gender equality. 

One of your former presidents, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC—renowned for championing affordable childcare reforms—now serves as Australia’s 28th Governor-General. Her appointment reflects the calibre of leadership within CEW and its enduring commitment to shaping national conversations. 

With your current national President, Helen Conway, bringing formidable experience as the former CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, your reputation will continue to flourish. 

Your strategic insights and advocacy continue to shape conversations and influence decisions, whether it be in the halls of our nation’s parliaments, in boardrooms or in the media. 

Australia has achieved its highest ever global ranking for gender equality by climbing from twenty-fourth (24th) to thirteenth (13th) place in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report. 

Many challenges remain, including the gender pay gap, housing insecurity, and low female workforce participation — which is closely linked to ensuring genuine flexible work options, addressing occupational segregation, and navigating ongoing debates about diversity initiatives. 

We know that women are still under-represented in senior leadership roles, and that women from diverse backgrounds face additional hurdles.  

Your own recent census revealed that of the CEOs in ASX300, only 25 are female––and only 27% of these companies have gender-balanced executive leadership teams. 

That is what makes your expertise, confidence and willingness to shine a spotlight on gender issues––and to advocate for change––so important. 

Tonight, I wish to particularly acknowledge and thank your Chapter’s President, Megan Corfield, who during her four-year term has made a huge difference in elevating the Chapter’s visibility in government and business circles.   

Megan, thank you for your dedication and leadership of this impressive Chapter, and also for inspiring young professional women to step forward with confidence.  

To the members here tonight, your 40th anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate your collective achievements and to reconnect with your powerful mission of “women leaders empowering all women.” 

As Governor of Queensland, I thank all of you for championing women from all backgrounds into leadership roles, and for your unwavering advocacy which seeks to achieve better social and economic outcomes for all women. 

Your founders’ work, and that of your current members, is unfortunately not yet done. Although, I am glad to see it bring you together with such shared purpose and camaraderie. 

May your advocacy continue to inspire and shape our nation.