Researchers from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are studying gender equality in Australia’s grape and wine sector, after it was identified as a priority in the consultation for the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan.
The goal is to review the current state of gender equality, and identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for progress in the grape and wine sector.
The research project is the result of Australian Grape & Wine’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Wine (DEIW) committee working with Wine Australia to identify opportunities to help the Australian grape and wine sector implement equity and inclusion outcomes.
Wine Australia CEO, Dr Martin Cole, said the study will help the sector tap the depth of diversity, across the breadth of the sector’s value chain.
The research team will engage wine and grape sector stakeholders to identify recommendations and develop a practical toolkit for all businesses and sector organisations, translating best practices and innovative ideas for gender equality, into actionable steps.
“Achieving long term sector profitability, resilience and sustainability means we must have the best people at the table. A vibrant future demands we look to broaden the expertise, experience and perspectives of those at decision-making tables across the value chain.
Our goal is to equip the sector with practical resources to be more inclusive, fostering equality and diversity to strengthen business and sector performance.” Cole said.
DEIW committee chair, Ali Laslett, said the sector was a significant employer in regional areas and had shown commitment to increasing gender equality.
“Promoting gender equality aligns with the strategic priorities of many primary industries. The DEIW committee identified several initiatives in our workplan, and we are delighted that our recommendation to provide practical resources for all businesses within the sector will be realised through this project. Our sector’s future success is built on practices that support and retain a diverse workforce” Laslett said.
CSU and UNSW were selected to carry out the research after a competitive tender process to find a research partner with expertise in gender equality and developing practical solutions for the sector.
CSU associate professor, Larissa Bamberry, said the research team had extensive experience exploring gender equity in the military, public sector, and male-dominated trades, delivering high-impact reports and strategic solutions for gender equity.
“Our experience working with women in non-traditional roles across various industries informs our effective solutions for gender equity within the wine sector,” Bamberry said.
The project team will work with an experienced sector-led advisory group throughout the study.
Wine Australia is seeking expressions of interest for four additional members with the following credentials:
- one woman and one man under 30 years of age, with at least two years full-time experience in any role within the Australian grape and wine sector; and
- two individuals of any age and gender with substantial experience in viticulture and vineyard operations from a small to medium enterprise, ideally located in NSW, ACT, Victoria, WA, Tasmania or Queensland.
Contact research@wineaustralia.com to register interest, with a one-page CV and a brief paragraph explaining why you are the best person to be a member of the group. EOIs close Monday 1 July 2024 at 4pm ACST.
