'Tech industry is a space for women' says Robyn Denholm
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The news: Tech Council chair Robyn Denholm used her opening speech at the 2024 National Technology Summit in Victoria to focus on improvements around diversity in the sector, after the council recently came under fire for its slow removal of disgraced WiseTech founder Richard White from its board.
The context: The council announced the launch of TED-I Standards on Monday, a new certification framework aimed at promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within Australia's technology sector. The certification framework, developed in partnership with Project F, comes as the tech sector experiences significant growth over the past three and a half years.
The Tech Council has been focusing on improving diversity in the sector through various initiatives including changes to migration settings and creating new pathways for talent development. The TED-I Standards will provide organisations with benchmarks for measuring progress in creating inclusive workplaces.
What they said: “Our mission is clear: to advocate for the sector and serve as its trusted voice. With this responsibility comes the obligation to act with integrity and transparency. In the face of challenges — whether they involve governance changes or public scrutiny — we’ve sought to navigate these moments with care, fairness, and accountability," Denholm said.
“Every decision we make is anchored in the best interests of our members, the tech community, and the industry’s future. This commitment is our guiding principle and will continue to shape everything we do.”
“The tech industry is a space for women. It is a space for you," Denholm emphasised in her address. "It is a space where progress is happening—not fast enough, perhaps, but steadily and surely. Your voices, your contributions, and your ideas are not just needed—they are indispensable to the future we're building."
Denholm also acknowledged the industry's ongoing transformation, noting that diversity and inclusion are "not just nice-to-haves but essential elements of a thriving sector."
The source: Tech Council Summit 2024
