Gender equity is more than a moral imperative - it is an economic and social necessity. For me, it is also deeply personal. Supporting gender equity matters because it drives innovation, strengthens decision-making, and creates workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. As CEOs, we have a responsibility to lead this change. Our influence extends beyond our organisations; it shapes industries and sets the standard for future generations.

My career has been built in the operational heart of the maritime and logistics sectors - industries where female participation has historically remained below five per cent. I have seen firsthand how greater gender balance transforms culture, performance, and outcomes. That experience drives my commitment to building a workplace where gender equity is valued and celebrated.

At Fremantle Ports, our journey began with identifying and addressing organisational biases - often unconscious - that create barriers to opportunity. We have taken deliberate steps to embed equity through inclusive recruitment practices, objective compensation decisions, and career progression based on merit and supported potential. We set bold targets for equitable representation and gender balance in leadership roles, and we measure and publish our progress to ensure accountability.

Central to this commitment is our employee value proposition: people perform at their best when work supports life, not competes with it. Flexible work, wellbeing support, and a balanced culture are essential to attracting and retaining diverse talent in demanding industries.

I am proud of the progress we have made. Today, women represent 8% of our traditionally blue-collar workforce and 30% of leadership roles - a significant shift in an industry that has long lagged behind. These achievements reflect purposeful action and a commitment to stop apologising for pursuing equity.

Looking ahead, our plans are ambitious. We will continue to expand leadership development opportunities for women, strengthen pathways into operational roles, and embed diversity and inclusion at the heart of our future workforce strategy. As Western Australia enters a period of transformative infrastructure and economic growth, Fremantle Ports and our industry partners have a unique opportunity to lead by example.

As CEOs, our commitment begins with leadership accountability. We set the standards and role model the behaviours we expect. Together, we can ensure gender equity is not just a goal but a lived reality for generations to come.