New report reveals opportunities to increase diversity in STEM

Earlier this week, the final report of the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review was released by Australian Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic. The report, compiled by the independent Diversity in STEM Review Panel after 12 months of public consultation, conversations and research, presents 11 detailed recommendations aimed at increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Amidst the ongoing skilled labour shortage in the Australian construction industry, these recommendations serve as a guiding light, presenting strategies to attract and retain STEM graduates within the sector. Embracing the recommendations outlined in the report has the potential to usher in a more diverse, inclusive and ultimately successful construction workforce.

The review underscores the imperative for more ambitious and strategic actions to foster diversity in STEM, with roles to be played by industry, governments, the education sector, not-for-profits and individuals alike.

The recommendations call for action in four key areas: government coordination and leadership, creating safe and inclusive workplaces, lifelong learning, and changing perceptions and valuing diverse knowledge.

Summarised by the panel in the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review Final Recommendations report, the recommendations include:

The Australian Government committing to a whole-of-government, long-term strategy to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM. This includes establishing a dedicated advisory council supported by dedicated government resources.
The Australian Government establishing a suite of diversity in STEM programs, as detailed in the Diversity in STEM Program Strategy in the final section of this report. This includes embedding best-practice program design elements across programs, making changes to the current Women in STEM program suite, and establishing new programs that address barriers for underrepresented cohorts.
Every Australian organisation employing STEM workers committing to the elimination of bullying, harassment and discrimination, including racism.
Every Australian organisation employing STEM workers adopting, making public and implementing a plan to increase attraction, retention and promotion of underrepresented cohorts.
The Australian Government making Australian STEM workplaces safer, more diverse and inclusive by changing grant and procurement processes for STEM-related programs. This includes providing guidance to help organisations implement the recommendations in this report, and examining the need for further changes, such as legislation or changes to other financial arrangements.
The Australian Government including a focus on STEM in implementing any strategies in response to the 2023 Review of the Migration System.
The Australian Government working with states and territories to improve participation and achievement in STEM skills and subjects in schools.
The Australian Government preparing and supporting educators to teach STEM in a way that is responsive to the needs of diverse cohorts.
The Australian Government working with states and territories to ensure that national tertiary education reforms increase access, participation and attainment of underrepresented cohorts in STEM education.
The Australian Government preferencing First Nations scientists and researchers applying for government funding for projects that affect or draw from First Nations Knowledges and knowledge systems, and working with First Nations communities to develop further ways to elevate First Nations Knowledges. The Learned Academies working with the academic community and Traditional Knowledge holders to build respect, awareness and better practices to weave First Nations Knowledges into science and research systems.
The Australian Government developing a communication and outreach strategy to increase awareness, visibility and importance of diversity in STEM to emphasise the opportunities and potential for careers in STEM.

Romilly Madew, CEO of Engineers Australia, endorsed the report, urging the government and employers to act urgently. She highlighted the engineering profession as a stark example, noting that only 14 per cent of working engineers in Australia are women, and just 19 per cent of engineering graduates are women, despite a high demand for engineers in the labour market.

“Addressing the lack of diversity in STEM occupations is critical to lessening current and future skills shortages,” said Madew. “The decline in uptake of maths and science subjects in school, and declining commencements in engineering studies in the past decade, are concerning signs for Australia’s engineering workforce pipeline.”

The recommendations in this report aim to instigate structural and cultural transformations that will increase diversity within Australia’s STEM system. Given the shortage of STEM graduates and professionals entering the construction industry, this becomes crucial. It is not solely the responsibility of the government to enact genuine change; the industry must also take accountability and proactively work towards fostering a continuous stream of STEM-educated workers now and into the future.

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