Laing O’Rourke Australia celebrates fourth consecutive employer of choice for gender equality citation

Laing O’Rourke Australia is proud to announce it has been awarded the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation for the fourth consecutive period. This is a distinction achieved by only a small number of organisations across Australia, and one of the very few within the construction sector.

Now awarded on a three‑yearly basis, the citation recognises organisations that demonstrate a sustained, genuine and measurable commitment to gender equality, not only through policy, but through action and impact.

Managing Director – Australia, Mark Dimmock said the recognition reflects more than a decade of deliberate effort to challenge industry norms and create lasting change.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised once again by WGEA, particularly in an industry where progress has historically been slow. This achievement belongs to our people, who continue to challenge the status quo and push us to be better,” said Mr Dimmock.

“Gender equality is not a ‘nice to have’ for us. It is a strategic imperative and a business priority. Creating an inclusive culture drives innovation, strengthens performance and ensures we attract the diverse talent our industry urgently needs.”

Achieving the EOCGE citation requires organisations to meet a rigorous set of criteria, demonstrating sustained leadership across areas including gender pay equity, inclusive leadership, prevention of discrimination and harassment, and career progression for women.

WGEA CEO Mary Wooldridge congratulated the organisation, saying “Holding the Workplace Gender Equality Citation provides national recognition that Laing O’Rourke is deeply committed to positive action to achieve gender equality in their workplace.”

“Citation holders demonstrate strong gender-equal outcomes at the moments that matter most to women and men at work. They go beyond policy and programs, embedding gender equality into the everyday employee experience.

“Committing to clear targets and using insights from employee surveys, these employers turn data into action, strengthening safety, fairness and opportunity for everyone in their organisation,” said Ms Wooldridge.

For more than ten years, Laing O’Rourke has implemented targeted policies and interventions to attract, retain and sponsor women across the business. In 2019, the Australian business launched Gender Diversity Action Plan, setting out clear actions to increase the pipeline of women into senior project and leadership roles, and to create more flexible work opportunities for both men and women on our project sites.

Building on this foundation, Laing O’Rourke continues to raise the bar. In 2024, the business launched a new Gender Equality Action Plan in Australia, outlining a bold pathway to achieve gender parity across global staff by 2033 through courageous change, honest conversations and capability building.

Key initiatives supporting this commitment include:

• Reducing the gender pay gap by addressing bias in remuneration processes and increasing female representation in senior and higher‑paying roles
• Offering 26 weeks of paid parental leave for all parents, with no eligibility period
• Paying superannuation on both paid and unpaid parental leave
• Delivering the industry-leading Inspiring STEM+ program, engaging school students to encourage pathways into STEM education and careers in construction and engineering
• Running the Cultivate Sponsorship program, pairing senior operational women with Executive Sponsors to accelerate career progression.

Helen Fraser, Director – People, said the organisation has also taken a strong and visible stance on eliminating gender‑based discrimination and sexual harassment.

“Since our last citation, we are most proud of the decisive actions we have taken to address unacceptable behaviours, from risk assessments and training to courageous conversations and procedural change,” Ms Fraser said.

“By applying a gender lens to everything from site design to leadership practices, we are creating environments where women can truly thrive. Real change happens one conversation at a time, and we are committed to having them.”

These sustained efforts are delivering tangible results. Over the past six years, female participation across the Australian business has increased from 26 per cent to 35 per cent, with a growing focus on senior women and future female leaders.

Mr Dimmock said while the recognition is a moment of celebration, it also reinforces the responsibility to keep pushing forward.

“We celebrate this significant recognition and the progress we’ve made, while acknowledging there is more to do. We are encouraged to see others across our industry lifting their ambition. Together, we can reshape construction into an industry where everyone can build a rewarding, meaningful career.”

For more information, visit the WGEA website or read Laing O’Rourke Australia’s 2024 Gender Equality Action Plan.