PORT of Brisbane and cruise line Cunard have combined to celebrate International Women’s Day on-board Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 to recognise the valuable contribution of women in the maritime sector.
More than 110 guests joined Queensland Minister for Innovation Kate Jones, PBPL chairman Jerry Maycock, and Carnival Australia CFO Anita Hoskins at the event.
PBPL chief operating officer, Peter Keyte, said the event, ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday, was an opportunity to celebrate women in the maritime industry.
“That said, we know there is a level of difficulty in attracting women to a career in maritime,” Mr Keye said.
“Our responsibility is to question why these barriers exist, find a way to remove them and help connect women with opportunities available in our industry.”
Mr Keyte said they were proud that at the Port of Brisbane, they had worked hard to attract more women into their business.
“But our focus has also continued to evolve. We are striving to make our workplace more inclusive and equal right across the board – whether that’s gender, race or sexual orientation,” Mr Keyte said.
“That’s why, in June last year, we launched our employee-led Diversity and Inclusion Council. So we can hear – not assume – the different experiences and perspectives from across the organisation to help us effect change across our business in a meaningful way.”
Carnival Australia chief financial officer, Anita Hoskins said celebrating International Women’s’ Day was an excellent occasion to focus on gender equality in the maritime sector.
“As a cruise organisation, a number of women are in senior onboard management roles in the hotel operations area but we are also striving to increase opportunities in deck officer roles and other areas of working life at sea,” Ms Hoskins said.
“This is a work in progress and we look forward to contributing to significant improvement over time.”
