Media Release: TasBuild Board fails Gender Representation Test for Tasmanian Women Construction Workers
TasBuild Board fails Gender Representation Test for Tasmanian Women Construction Workers
Sunday 6 September 2026
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called on the Rockliff Government to explain how its appointed TasBuild Ltd private company trustee does not comply with its 50% women on boards policy.
TasBuild Ltd was created to manage the Portable Long Service Fund for eligible Tasmanian construction workers, in accordance with the Construction Industry (Long Service) Act 1997.
The Board consists of three industry employer representatives, one each from the TCCI, the Master Builders Association, and the Building Industry Specialist Contractors Organisation, and three union representatives, one each from the CFMEU, the AMW and Unions Tasmania.
“It is my understanding the seven-member TasBuild Board, does not have any women representatives on it, despite women construction workers paying into the Portable Long Service Fund just as their male co-workers do,” Ms Webb said.
“It is extraordinary, and extremely disappointing, that none of the three employer entities or the three unions which comprise the TasBuild Board could find women to nominate as their representatives.
“Whether gender equity on boards is a legal requirement or not, this situation clearly fails the pub test.
“It also fails the government’s own policy of requiring gender equity on the boards of its boards and companies.
“TasBuild may not be a State-owned business but it is appointed by the government, and the Cabinet Handbook still details vacancy nomination processes for non-government organisations.”
Ms Webb said the position of Chair of the TasBuild Board was advertised through the Government’s own board vacancy channel with applications closing 5 June 2026, with the position now held by a male in an acting capacity.
“The Rockliff Government must disclose whether the recent Chair position and any of the other Board positions were required to comply with the Cabinet Handbook briefing process.
“Has TasBuild been informed of the Government’s 50% women on boards policy and if not, why not?
“Have any recent TasBuild Board appointments submitted to Cabinet been accompanied by the required completed Tasmanian Women’s Register Appointment Certification Form?
“Tasmanian women construction workers have a right to have a direct say how their long service leave money is managed, and the government needs to detail the action it will take to ensure this is mandated from now on.”
