Speeches
Thursday, 09 April 2026
Reception for Chief Executive Women
I am delighted – not only as Governor, but as a member of Chief Executive Women - that we can “gather” here today at Government House.
I extend a particular welcome to those who have travelled from interstate to join our local members of Chief Executive Women. It’s great to see all your colours!
While we meet against the background of Gather Round, this reception also underscores the opportunities that this carnival of football brings through networking and business connections, including tomorrow’s Gather Round Business Lunch.
Gather Round is a carnival that has been enthusiastically embraced by South Australia and is just one example of how we go out and grasp opportunities, including to host major events.
Friends
By any measure there is a wealth of talent – athletic, creative, professional, managerial, leaderly - in this room.
Together, we are a powerful collective that lifts women up, advocates for change and develops the next generation.
If I may continue to draw on this weekend’s football theme, we have seen AFLW change the face of sport, as has women’s soccer and cricket, and with it the narrative.
We have witnessed women’s sport:
• Attract a large following and media attention
• Demonstrate women’s exceptional skill and prowess
• Break down gender barriers and stereotypes
• Give young women a chance to participate and be accepted
• Develop a collaborative environment in competition.
Just as we have seen change in women’s sport, your work, advocacy, and voices are powerful in influencing the dynamic of women’s leadership roles.
I thank you for doing so because there’s still much to be done.
As the CEW 2025 survey demonstrated, 69% of executive leadership teams positions are held by men.
Nine out of 10 CEOs are men, but we can be encourage by the fact that one in four new CEO appointments were women, up from one in eight the previous year.
Through organisations such as CEW, we can challenge and reframe not only the present, but the future.
Instead of women claiming a larger part of an existing construct, as important as that is; by working towards and contributing to a new model, we may be able to better meet the aspirations of leaders, both women and men.
I recall a sense of enthusiasm in the room this time last year, and I know that led, as it so often does when women come together, to action on a number of fronts.
This included welcoming new CEW members, which I am sure Kate will tell us more about.
Friends
Clearly, current geopolitical tensions are affecting the world and are being starkly felt here in Australia.
As women, we are only too aware that cost of living pressures impact more severely on women’s finances, health, housing.
As you know, the need for leadership extends beyond the office and boardroom, and I encourage you as leaders also to lend your collective influence to “balance the scales”, for women more widely in our society.
As leaders you are making a real difference and as Governor, I offer my heartful thanks and gratitude for you doing so.