4.2 Board composition
If the Government is to rely on the decisions made by Boards, it is critical that people with the appropriate skills are appointed. Ideally, a Board will have a diverse set of members with a blend of expertise, experience and a range of perspectives. The selection process should be merit based and as inclusive as possible, and commence with a Board member specification.
State Affairs of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet maintains a Central Register of Nominees to Government Bodies. This Central Register aims to provide all members of the community with the opportunity to express their interest in being nominated for appointment to Government Boards. Nomination to the Register is by application.
The Queensland Cabinet Handbook also states that the Office for Women (Community Engagement Division, Department of the Premier and Cabinet) and Multicultural Affairs Queensland (Community Engagement Division, Department of the Premier and Cabinet) must be consulted for each appointment proposal. Each of these Offices can suggest a range of suitable candidates drawn from their databases.
The Office for Women maintains a Register of Women, which is a database of names of women with a range of backgrounds, experience and interests. It is used when nominations are sought for membership to Government Boards. Consultation with this Office 'to obtain the names of suitably qualified women for consideration for appointment' is designed to ensure that the benefits of equitable gender representation on Government Boards can be realised. Nomination to this Register is by application.
The Office for Women also maintains a Register of Indigenous Women, which links with the Register of Women and which is used to identify Indigenous women for leadership and decision-making roles.
Information sheets for women interested in serving on Government Boards are available from the Women's Infolink (external link). This infosheet deals with such issues as:
- the commitment level required for Government Board membership;
- the necessary skills required;
- questions concerning the nature of business and operations;
- key players; and
- key stakeholders.
Similarly, Multicultural Affairs Queensland (external link) maintains a Register of Multicultural Advisers. Consultation with this Office is designed to increase the participation in Government decision-making of people with a sound knowledge of multicultural principles, including members of ethnic communities, by recommending qualified individuals for appointment to Government Boards. Both Multicultural Affairs Queensland and the Office for Women can suggest a range of suitable candidates drawn from their databases.
Consultation with the Government registers should occur early in the appointment process to ensure that any advice is able to be used.
Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009
Last updated: 22 July, 2009
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