Improved access to flexible work, public transport and childcare would boost Central Coast women’s participation and success in the labour market, according to new research from the University of Sydney.
The report, to be launched in Gosford today by The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, NSW Minister for Women, comes as the latest labour force figures reveal Australian women’s workforce participation is at an all-time high of 63.5 percent – but for the Central Coast it’s 57.7 percent, per the most recent figure.
Drawing on workforce data and insights from nine focus groups with women aged 18–55 years who live on the Central Coast, researchers from The Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work identified key barriers and enablers to workforce participation.
“Women want rewarding jobs that provide opportunities for training and progression and allow them to meet their family and personal commitments. However, living on the Central Coast can limit women’s access to jobs that match their skills and aspirations,” lead author Professor Elizabeth Hill said.
Women we spoke to referred to what they call ‘Coast money’, where jobs that are well paid in Sydney receive significantly lower pay on the Central Coast.
Professor Elizabeth Hill
“Women we spoke to referred to what they call ‘Coast money’, where jobs that are well paid in Sydney receive significantly lower pay on the Central Coast. ”Professor Elizabeth Hill
“Women should not have to choose between a significant pay cut and a long commute to Sydney or Newcastle for performing the same kind of role.”
Other barriers to good jobs frequently reported by study participants included poor public transport and inaccessible, high-cost early childhood education and care.
“These factors, combined with a lack of flexible work and training opportunities, leave many women with limited opportunities around what work they can pursue alongside family and personal care needs,” Professor Hill said.
“Recognising these barriers is the first step to overcoming them. Investment from local businesses, local government and state government would not only improve women’s economic security; it would also provide an important boost to the Central Coast economy.”
The report recommends investment in four key areas:
mainstream availability of high quality, flexible working opportunities and part-time work in the public and private sectors
high quality and affordable early childhood education and care services
public transport and road infrastructure
childcare and income support linked to training opportunities.
The innovative solutions proposed by research participants included the provision of free childcare at university and TAFE campuses, to enable women with caring responsibilities to pursue education and training opportunities to better their career prospects.
Business NSW Central Coast Regional Director Scott Goold welcomed the report findings: “We know many businesses on the Coast are finding it difficult to attract and retain skilled labour, especially for those industry sectors that have traditionally been male dominated. Initiatives that can boost women’s participation will go a long way to improving the skilled workforce supply.”
Declaration
This project was funded in partnership with the Greater Cities Commission by the Boosting Business Innovation Program, NSW Government, 2023.
