Boards diversity missing

TWO Queensland ASX 200 companies have been called out by an industry group for having no female representation on their board of directors.

Flight Centre and Australian Agricultural Country were among 11 companies from across the country named by the Australian Institute of Company Directors as having a board made up entirely of male directors, as of August 31.

But Flight Centre said it did not intend to remain on that list for long.

The company has announced plans to appoint a female director at its AGM in November. Its previous female director Cassandra Kelly stepped down last year.

The AICD’s quarterly gender diversity report showed the number of female directors on ASX 200 boards had only in- creased to 25.4 per cent, from 25.3 per cent last year, something chairman Elizabeth Proust described as concerning.

“Considering the business case for diversity, the fact that there are still 11 ASX 200 boards with no women is astounding,” she said.

“The good news, however, is that number has halved, down from 22 boards without any women on them this time last year.”

She said the AICD would watch the AGM season with interest to see how many board appointments were women.

AACo chairman Donald McGauchie said: “We are well aware and acknowledge the importance of diversity in the workplace and on boards.

“We look forward to making an announcement soon.”

The report showed 66 of the ASX 200 companies had made the target of 30 per cent female representation on boards.