Women and Girls in Tasmania
Report
WOMEN AND GIRLS IN TASMANIA REPORT
Communities, Sport and Recreation Tasmania
Department of Premier and Cabinet
GPO Box 123
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: (03) 6232 7133 or 1800 204 224
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dpac.tas.gov.au
Copyright State of Tasmania
ISBN 978 0 7246 5696 0
July 2014
TRIM 13/70475
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WOMEN AND GIRLS IN TASMANIA REPORT
CONTENTS
CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................................3
FOREWORD ...............................................................................................................................................5
DATA STATEMENT ..................................................................................................................................6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................................7
DEMOGRAPHICS ......................................................................................................................................9
Population size ........................................................................................................................................9
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples ......................................................................... 10
Population growth ............................................................................................................................... 10
Population age ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Life expectancy ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Cultural and linguistic diversity......................................................................................................... 11
Family types........................................................................................................................................... 12
Family households ............................................................................................................................... 13
Lone person households .................................................................................................................... 14
Aged care .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Marriages ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Divorce .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Births ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Deaths .................................................................................................................................................... 17
In summary ............................................................................................................................................ 17
OUTCOME AREAS 18
1. HEALTH AND WELLBEING ........................................................................................................... 18
Self-assessed health status ................................................................................................................. 18
Self-assessed health by age ................................................................................................................ 19
Disability ................................................................................................................................................ 19
Mental health ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Causes of death.................................................................................................................................... 20
Tobacco, alcohol and illicit substances ........................................................................................... 22
Weight ................................................................................................................................................... 24
Physical activity..................................................................................................................................... 26
Health insurance .................................................................................................................................. 28
In summary ............................................................................................................................................ 28
2. ECONOMIC SECURITY AND FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE 30
Employment: full and part-time ........................................................................................................ 30
Unemployment and underemployment .......................................................................................... 30
Women’s labour force participation by age .................................................................................. 31
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples employment................................................. 31
Labour force participation of sole parents .................................................................................... 32
Parental work arrangements ............................................................................................................. 32
Industry of employment ..................................................................................................................... 33
Women in business ............................................................................................................................. 34
Gender pay gap .................................................................................................................................... 35
Carers .................................................................................................................................................... 36
Superannuation..................................................................................................................................... 37
In summary ............................................................................................................................................ 38
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WOMEN AND GIRLS IN TASMANIA REPORT
3. EDUCATION AND TRAINING ..................................................................................................... 39
Education ............................................................................................................................................... 39
Secondary education ........................................................................................................................... 40
Teaching staff by gender..................................................................................................................... 41
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in education ................................................. 41
Apparent year level retention rates ................................................................................................ 41
Educational attainment ....................................................................................................................... 41
Educational attainment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples ......................... 43
Higher education ................................................................................................................................. 44
Vocational education and training .................................................................................................... 45
In summary ............................................................................................................................................ 47
4. HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS ................................................................................................. 48
Homelessness ....................................................................................................................................... 48
Specialist Homelesness Services (SHS) ........................................................................................... 49
SHS support periods ........................................................................................................................... 50
Primary reasons for seeking support .............................................................................................. 50
Accompanying children ...................................................................................................................... 50
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples: SHS clients .................................................. 51
Public housing ....................................................................................................................................... 52
In summary ............................................................................................................................................ 52
5. SAFETY AND JUSTICE ...................................................................................................................... 54
Personal safety...................................................................................................................................... 54
Assault and sexual assault .................................................................................................................. 54
Domestic and family violence ........................................................................................................... 55
Crime and incarceration .................................................................................................................... 56
Discrimination ...................................................................................................................................... 57
Sexual harassment ............................................................................................................................... 58
Offensive conduct................................................................................................................................ 59
Female complainants ........................................................................................................................... 60
Respondent organisation type .......................................................................................................... 61
Industry sector ..................................................................................................................................... 62
Area of activity ..................................................................................................................................... 64
In summary ............................................................................................................................................ 66
6. LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION............................................................... 67
Government.......................................................................................................................................... 67
Tasmanian State Service ..................................................................................................................... 68
Judiciary.................................................................................................................................................. 69
Government boards............................................................................................................................ 69
Board membership of sporting organisations ............................................................................... 70
Local government ................................................................................................................................ 71
Honours ................................................................................................................................................. 71
Voluntary work .................................................................................................................................... 72
In summary ............................................................................................................................................ 72
Appendix 1 Overview of gender-related complaints by attribute and area of activity: Sum
of count.................................................................................................................................................. 74
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WOMEN AND GIRLS IN TASMANIA REPORT
FOREWORD
I am very pleased to present the first biennial report profiling the
status of women and girls in Tasmania.
We know that women and girls can face particular challenges and
discrimination due to gender, but we are yet to fully understand how
our efforts to drive change are impacting their lives and their future
opportunities.
In Tasmania we have a strong foundation for positive change through the implementation of
two strategies crucial to achieving equality of opportunity for women and girls in Tasmania – the
Tasmanian Women’s Plan 2013-2018 and Taking Action: Tasmania’s Primary Prevention Strategy to
Reduce Violence against Women and Children 2012-2022.
Together these strategies confirm the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to fostering a
society that empowers all women and girls to reach their full potential.
A key action under the Tasmanian Women’s Plan 2013-2018 (the Women’s Plan) and another
vital step forward for gender equality in Tasmania is improving the evidence-base we use for
policy and service development.
By bringing together a range of data relevant at the commencement of the Women’s Plan in
2013 that spans its six outcome areas – Health and Wellbeing; Economic Security and Financial
Independence; Education and Training; Housing and Homelessness; Safety and Justice; and
Leadership and Community Participation – this report provides a unique baseline profile of
women and girls in Tasmania.
This report provides data for measuring change over the coming years. As new data becomes
available and the outcome areas are updated it will help us to assess our progress in achieving
equality for women and girls in Tasmania. This information will play an important role in
informing our policy development, performance reporting and service delivery planning to
achieve the results we need in Tasmania.
Women and girls have faced significant gender-based inequalities for too long, but with strong
support from government, backed by engaged business and community efforts, we can ensure
that women and girls enjoy equality and this in turn improves their lived experience.
We want women and girls to benefit from the chance to define their futures. We believe
women and girls should be free to earn, to study, to enjoy good health, to enjoy respectful and
healthy relationships, to freely care for their loved ones and to lead communities. To do this,
women and girls should have the opportunity to live safe from violence in a productive society
which values respect, equality and the contributions made by all members, regardless of gender.
Hon Jacquie Petrusma MP
Minister for Women
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WOMEN AND GIRLS IN TASMANIA REPORT
DATA STATEMENT
This report is based on data available at the time of writing and is intended as a baseline report
for the year 2013. Efforts have been made to limit data to this time period. It draws on data
sets from a number of sources with varying scope, currency and reliability. Data currency in the
future will rely on the frequency that sources, including the Australian Bureau of Statistics and
state government agencies, gather and update internal and external data. For complete details
on the reliability and scope of a specific data set, the original data source should be referred to.
Some particular data sources have used the phrase Indigenous interchangeably with Aboriginal;
even though this is not current contemporary practice in Tasmania. Where the phrase
Indigenous is used this refers to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Additionally, recording of this identification is reliant on two factors; the person being asked if
they identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and the person answering that they do
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Therefore caution should be used when
using identified data collected in this way.
This report is intended to provide an objective point in time data snapshot of women in
Tasmania; it is not intended to provide commentary or explanation of the data or of the social
and economic factors influencing the status of women in Tasmania.
The indicators contained in this report will be reviewed biennially and updated where required.
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WOMEN AND GIRLS IN TASMANIA REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents a range of social indicators for women that can be used as a tool for
evidence-based policy, performance reporting and service delivery planning.
This report was developed pursuant to the Tasmanian Government’s gender equality
framework, the Tasmanian Women’s Plan 2013 – 2018. Action 6 of the Plan requires the
development of a range of datasets on women and girls to increase evidence-based policy
development and service delivery outcomes. This report also provides a basis for future
assessment of the impact of the Plan on the lives of Tasmanian women and girls.
The indicators in this report relate to health and wellbeing; economic security and financial
independence; education and training; housing and homelessness; safety and justice; and
leadership and community participation.
Demographics
At Census, Tasmania had
slightly more (51 per cent)
female than male
residents.
Of the 252 679 females in
Tasmania, 9 996 identified
as Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander and
16.2 per cent were born
outside Australia.
Tasmanian women
accounted for
81.5 per cent of single
parents, were less likely to
be living with parents after
becoming non-dependent,
were more likely to be
living alone once over the
age of 55 and were likely
to live longer than men.
Tasmania also had the
nation’s highest fertility
rate.
Health and
wellbeing
In 2011, Tasmania had a
higher percentage of
females with profound or
severe disability than
males.
Between 2007 and 2008,
women were more likely
to have mental health and
behavioural disorders
(56.3 per cent).
Between 2011 and 2012,
women were less likely
than males to smoke daily
and were far less likely to
consume alcohol at levels
risking their health.
In 2010, Tasmania had the
second highest proportion
in the nation of women
who smoked during their
pregnancy (23 per cent).
Approximately
71 per cent of Tasmanian
women did not achieve
adequate levels of physical
activity in 2011-12
according to Australian
guidelines.
Women in Tasmania
participated more each
week in sport and physical
recreation activities than
men.
Economic security
and financial
independence
Females accounted for
48 per cent of people
employed in Tasmania in
2011.
Sole female parents were
16.4 per cent less likely to
participate in the labour
force than sole male
parents, while female
working parents were
more likely to organise a
work arrangement to care
for their children.
While at May 2013 female
workers earned $116.80
less than males each week,
Tasmania had the lowest
gender pay equity gap in
the nation. Available data
suggests women were less
likely to have a
superannuation account.
Education and
training
In 2012, girls generally had
higher National
Assessment Program –
Literacy and Numeracy
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WOMEN AND GIRLS IN TASMANIA REPORT
(NAPLAN) results than
boys for reading, writing,
spelling, grammar and
punctuation, and
numeracy.
over-representation of the
total Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander
female population in
Tasmania.
Girls also had higher
retention rates than boys
for years 10 through 12.
In July 2013, 55.6 per cent
of people living in public
housing were women.
Of 3 000 undergraduate
completions in 2012,
53.5 per cent were
women. There was also a
higher rate of
(67.5 per cent) of female
postgraduate completion.
Females accounted for
fewer vocational education
and training (VET)
students.
Housing and
homelessness
In 2011, 42 per cent of
Tasmania’s homeless were
female.
From 2010 to 2011 more
than 50 per cent of
Specialist Homelessness
Services (SHS) support
recipients were females.
Safety and justice
In 2010, while 82 per cent
of women felt safe at
home after dark, only
37.3 per cent felt safe
walking alone in their local
area after dark.
Almost 50 per cent of
reported victims of assault
were female, most were
between 20 and 44 years
of age.
In 2011-12 the highest
proportion of female
assaults (31.5 per cent)
were perpetrated by the
victim’s partner or
boyfriend/girlfriend.
In 2009, 86 per cent of
reported victims of sexual
assault were female.
Domestic/family violence
was the main reason for
women with children to
seek SHS support.
Females accounted for
24.1 per cent of offenders
in Tasmania from 2011 to
2012.
Of the 2 600
accompanying children in
these services, just over
50 per cent were girls, the
majority aged between
zero and four years old.
As at March 2013,
8.1 per cent of the 458
Tasmanians in full-time
custody were females.
Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander females
represented 11.6 per cent
of clients, evidence of an
Of all complaints made to
the Anti-Discrimination
Commissioner during
2012-13 on the basis of
one or more genderrelated attributes,
30 per cent alleged
discrimination, 6.3 per cent
alleged sexual harassment
and 27 per cent identified
behaviour that offended,
humiliated, ridiculed,
intimidated and/or insulted
the complainant. The
predominant area of
activity identified was
employment (18 per cent)
and the provision of
facilities, goods and
services (13 per cent).
Leadership and
community
participation
In 2013, women
comprised 33.3 per cent
of the Tasmanian Cabinet,
35 per cent of
government board
appointments and in 2014,
29.8 per cent of local
government councillors.
In 2013, 69.7 per cent of
Tasmania’s State Service
employees were female
and females accounted for
17.6 per cent of Heads of
Agencies and
27.9 per cent of Senior
Executives.
In 2013, two of Tasmania’s
six Supreme Court Judges
were female.
The last Census showed
women were more likely
than males to participate
in voluntary work.
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WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
DEMOGRAPHICS
Demographic information helps us to understand the general characteristics of women
and girls in Tasmania and the communities in which they live.
Population size
In 2011, the total resident population of Tasmania was 495 354. 1 The majority of Tasmania’s
population, 70.9 per cent, lived in the major population regions of Hobart, Launceston and the
Burnie-Ulverstone and Devonport areas, as shown in Figure 1.1 below.2
There were slightly more female than male residents of Tasmania in June 2011, with females
accounting for 51 per cent of the population. Table 1.1 shows the number of persons in
Tasmania according to both sex and age.
Although females between the ages of 0 to 24 years accounted for less of the population than
males, females outnumbered males in the older age brackets from 25 years onwards, and a
significant increase in female representation was evident in the 75 to 84 age group.3
Figure 1.1 Tasmania’s major population regions – Hobart, Launceston and the BurnieUlverstone and Devonport areas (in red)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, data accessed through Census 2011 TableBuilder Basic, 1 August 2013, ABS, Canberra.
1
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B01, ABS, Canberra
2
Australian Bureau of Statistics, data accessed through Census 2011 TableBuilder Basic, 1 August 2013, ABS, Canberra.
3
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B04, ABS, Canberra
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WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Table 1.1 Tasmania’s resident population by age and sex, 2011
Age
Female
Male
Persons
% Female
0-14
45 738
48 132
93 870
48.7
15-24
30 496
31 766
62 262
49
25-34
28 536
26 748
55 284
51.6
35-44
33 732
31 123
64 855
52
45-54
36 727
34 831
71 558
51.3
55-64
33 879
32 942
66 821
50.7
65-74
22 678
22 083
44 761
50.7
75-84
14 159
11 538
25 697
55.1
85-89
4 402
2 580
6 980
63.1
90 +
2 332
932
3 264
71.4
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B04, ABS, Canberra
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2011, 19 625 people in Tasmania identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
peoples, representing four per cent of Tasmania’s total population.
Of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, there were 9 996 females (50.9 per
cent – approximately 4 per cent of Tasmania’s total female population of 252 679) and 9 629
males (49.1 per cent of the state’s total population). The median age for Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander peoples in Tasmania was 22 years of age. 4
Population growth
Tasmania’s estimated resident population grew by
1 100 people to reach 513 200 in the year ending
June 2013, an increase of 0.2 per cent. This was
the lowest growth of all the states and territories. 5
Population age
In 2011, Tasmania had the oldest population of all
states and territories, with a median age of
40.4 years, as shown in Figure 1.2.
4
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, 2011 Census Quickstats ABS, Canberra
Australian Bureau of Statistics Regional Population Growth, Australia 2012-2013, Catalogue 3218.0, State Summary, ABS,
Canberra.
5
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WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
The median age for females in Tasmania was higher than that of males, at 41.2 years for women
and 39.6 years for men.6
Figure 1.2 State and territory median age by sex, 2011
Aus Total
ACT
NT
Tas
Males
WA
Females
SA
Qld
Vic
NSW
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Median Age
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia 2011, Catalogue 3235.0, ABS,
Canberra.
Life expectancy
In 2011, Tasmanian females had a higher life expectancy at birth than males; 82.5 years
compared to 78.3 years. This was reflected by the trend in population age shown in Figure 1.2
(above). Females also had a higher median age at death of 83.8 years, compared to 78.1 years
for males.7
Key data is currently not available for life expectancy estimates for Tasmania’s Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Cultural and linguistic diversity
In 2011, approximately 83.8 per cent of Tasmania’s female residents were born in Australia,
with 16.2 per cent born outside Australia.
The top five countries of birth for Tasmanian women born outside Australia were the United
Kingdom (4.5 per cent of Tasmania’s total female population), New Zealand (1 percent), the
Netherlands (0.5 per cent), Germany (0.4 per cent), and China (0.4 per cent).8 However,
6
Australian Bureau of Statistics Population by Age and Sex: Regions of Australia 2011 (Tasmania), Catalogue 3235.0, Table 4,
ABS, Canberra.
7
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Deaths, Australia, 2012, Catalogue 3302.0, Table 3 and Table 12, ABS, Canberra
8
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B09, ABS, Canberra
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WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Tasmania had overseas migrants from all international regions. In 2011, 11 593 (4.9 per cent) of
women spoke a language other than English at home.9
Family types
In 2011 there were approximately 134 196 families in Tasmania. Of these, 53 219
(39.7 per cent) were coupled families with children, 56 435 (42 per cent) were coupled families
without children, 22 824 (17 per cent) were single parent families, and 1 718 (1.3 per cent)
were classified as other families.10
Since 2006, the number of coupled families without children in Tasmania had grown by
8.2 per cent and the number of coupled families with children had decreased very slightly (by
0.1 per cent). The number of single parent families also increased between 2006 and 2011, with
a 6.3 per cent rise.11
When compared to 2006 and to national data, figure 1.3 below shows that in 2011 Tasmania
had higher percentages of single parent families and coupled families without children.
Figure 1.3 Family type in Tasmania in 2011 compared to Tasmania in 2006 and Australia as a
whole in 2011
Other
Aus 2011
Single parent family
Tas 2011
Tas 2006
Couple family with children
Couple family with no children
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Proportion of all families
50%
Data Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 and 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile
(Tasmania and Australia), Catalogue 2001.0 and 2001.6, Table B25, ABS, Canberra
9
Ibid, Table B13
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B25, ABS, Canberra. Note: “Other family” is defined as a group of related individuals residing in the same
household, who cannot be categorised as belonging to a couple or one parent family.
11
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Time Series Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue 2003.6,
Table T29, ABS, Canberra
10
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WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Family households
The Australian Bureau of Statistics applies the following definitions to family households:

‘Non-Dependent Child’ refers to a natural, adopted, step or foster child of a couple or
lone parent usually resident in the household, who is aged 15 years and over and is not
a full-time student aged 15-24 years, and who has no identified partner or child of
his/her own usually resident in the household.

‘Dependent Student’ refers to a natural, adopted, step, or foster child who is 1524 years of age and who attends a secondary or tertiary educational institution as a fulltime student and for whom there is no identified partner or child of his/her own usually
resident in the same household.

‘De facto marriages’ include same-sex couples.

‘Other related individual’ refers to an individual who is related to at least one other
member of the household but who does not form an identified couple relationship or
parent-child relationship according to the priority rules of family coding. He/she can be
related through blood, step or in-law relationship and include any direct ancestor or
descendant. Relatives beyond first cousin are excluded.
In Tasmania in 2011, females were more likely to be living alone, and less likely than males to
remain living with one or more parents once they had become non-dependent, as shown in
Table 1.2. The data also shows that 81.5 per cent of sole parents in Tasmania were female.
Tasmania’s percentage of single female parents is 0.9 per cent lower than the national average.12
Available data for 2010 shows in Tasmania, government pensions and allowances were the
main source of income for 49.6 per cent of single parents with dependent children, compared
to 10.3 per cent of couples with dependent children.13
Table 1.2 Relationship in household by sex in Tasmania, 2011
Relationship in Household
Female
Male
Female %
Registered Marriage
86 673
85 365
50.4
De facto Marriage
21 110
20 584
50.6
Lone Parent
18 600
4 224
81.5
Child under 15
43 226
45 491
48.7
Dependent Student
10 063
10 013
50.1
Non-Dependent Child
8 588
15 251
36
Other Related Individual
3 640
3 328
52.2
Group Household Member
6 239
7 330
46
12
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 and 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania and
Australia), Catalogue 2001.0 and 2001.6, Table B23, ABS, Canberra
13
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Social Trends, December 2012, Catalogue 4102.0, Data Cube — Economic
resources, Table 2.6 Economic Resources, Tas. Summary, 1998–2012, ABS, Canberra.
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WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Lone Person
29 789
24 248
55.1
Unrelated Individual Living in Family Household
1 359
2 046
40
Visitor (from within Australia)
6 405
6 327
50.3
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B23, ABS, Canberra
Lone person households
Figure 1.4 shows that in 2011 the sex ratio of lone person households in Tasmania varied
significantly according to age.
Between the ages of 25 and 54 years, men were more likely to be living on their own. From the
age of 55 years there were significant increases in the percentage of women living on their own,
and from that point onward women outnumber men in lone person households.
Women represent a much higher percentage of those living alone in the 85 and over age
bracket (75.6 per cent).
Available data for 2010 shows that, of those people aged 65 years and over living alone in
Tasmania, 78.9 per cent relied on government pensions and allowances as their main source of
income.14
Figure 1.4 Sex ratios of lone person households in Tasmania, 2011
7000
6000
5000
Number of
Lone Person
Households
4000
Female
3000
Male
2000
1000
0
15-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75-84
85 +
Age Group
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 and 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile
(Tasmania), Catalogue 2001.6, Table B23, ABS, Canberra
14
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Social Trends, December 2012, Catalogue 4102.0, Data Cube — Economic
resources, Table 2.6 Economic Resources, Tas. Summary, 1998–2012, ABS, Canberra.
14
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Aged care
As at June 2012, there were 3 022 females in residential aged care facilities in Tasmania,
compared to 1 289 males.15
Marriages
In 2011, 172 038 (48 per cent) of people aged 15 years and over were in registered marriage
and 41 695 (11.6 per cent) were in a de facto marriage, which includes same-sex couples.16
In 2011, there were a total of 2 329 marriages in Tasmania and the crude marriage rate
(marriages per 1 000 people) was 4.6. The median age at first marriage was 28 years for
females and 29.9 years for males.17
Divorce
In 2011 there were 1 096 divorces granted in Tasmania. Of these, 428 applications for divorce
were made by women (39 per cent), 320 were made by men (29.2 per cent), and 348
applications were jointly made (31.8 per cent). The crude divorce rate (divorces per 1 000
persons) was 2.1.18
The median age at divorce was 43.2 years for females and 45.9 years for males. The median
length of marriage was 14.4 years and 49.3 per cent of divorces involved children.19
Births
As Figure 1.5 illustrates, Tasmania’s crude birth rate (number of births per 1 000 persons)
fluctuated over the last decade. Most recently the rate showed a slight increase from 12.5 in
2010 to 12.9 in 2011.
In 2011, Tasmania’s total fertility rate (number of children a woman would bear in her lifetime)
was 2.16, the highest in the nation. 20
Figure 1.6 shows the variations in fertility rates within the different statistical local areas of
Tasmania from 2006 to 2011. The Southern region, which includes localities such as the Huon
Valley, Sorell and the Central Highlands, consistently recorded the highest fertility rates of all
Tasmanian regions during this period. The Northern region, including Greater Launceston,
consistently recorded the lowest fertility rate.21
15
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Residential aged care and aged care packages in the community 2011-12,
Supplementary Data, Table S2.11 All residents, by age, sex and state/territory, 30 June 2012, www.aihw.gov.au/agedcare/residential-and-community-2011-12
16
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B06, ABS, Canberra.
17
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012, Marriages and Divorces 2011, Catalogue 3310.0, Table 1, ABS, Canberra
18
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012, Marriages and Divorces 2011, Catalogue 3310.0, Table 11, ABS, Canberra.
19
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012, Marriages and Divorces 2011, Catalogue 3310.0, Table 11, ABS, Canberra.
20
21
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012, Births, Australia 2006 to 2011, Catalogue 3301.0, Table 1.6, ABS, Canberra.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012, Births, Australia 2006 to 2011, Catalogue 3301.0, Table 3.6, ABS, Canberra.
15
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 1.5 Trend in crude birth rate in Tasmania, 2001 to 2011
14
13.5
13
Births per 1000
People
12.5
Crude birth rate
12
11.5
11
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Year
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Births, Australia, 2011, Catalogue 3301.0, Table 1.6, ABS, Canberra.
Figure 1.6 Total fertility rates by statistical local areas in Tasmania, 2006 to 2011
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
Fertility
Rate
2.4
Greater Hobart
2.3
Southern
2.2
Northern
2.1
Mersey-Lyell
2
1.9
1.8
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012, Births, Australia 2006 to 2011, Catalogue 3301.0, Table 3.6, ABS, Canberra.
In 2011, the median age of Tasmanian mothers at childbirth was 29.4 years, while the median
age of fathers was 31.8 years.22
22
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012, Births, Australia 2006 to 2011, Catalogue 3301.0, Table 1.6, ABS, Canberra.
16
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Deaths
In 2011, there were 4 245 recorded deaths in Tasmania.
Of these, 2 106 were females and 2 139 were males.
The median age at death was 83.8 years for females and 78.1 years for males.23
The standardised death rate (deaths per 1 000 standard population) was 6.5. The standardised
death rate for females was 5.5 and for males 7.6.24
In summary25

Females comprised 51 per cent of Tasmanian residents.

Of Tasmania’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples 50.9 per cent were
women.

16.2 per cent of Tasmania’s female population were born outside Australia.

Tasmanian women accounted for 81.5 per cent of single parents, were less likely to be
living with parents after becoming non-dependent, were more likely to be living alone
once over the age of 55 and were likely to live longer than men.

Tasmania had the nation’s highest fertility rate.
23
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012, Deaths, Australia 2006 to 2011, Catalogue 3302.0, Table 1.6, ABS, Canberra.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012, Deaths, Australia 2006 to 2011, Catalogue 3302.0, Table 2.6, ABS, Canberra.
25
Refer to chapter contents for source details.
24
17
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
OUTCOME AREAS
1. HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Good health and wellbeing positively impacts the lives of women and girls in many ways,
enhancing quality of life, education, and the ability to participate socially and
economically in the community.
Self-assessed health status
In 2006 the General Social Survey revealed that, overall,
women and men in Tasmania had similar rates in the selfassessed health status categories of ‘excellent or very
good’, ‘good’ and ‘fair or poor’ health.
Figure 1.1 shows a slightly higher percentage of females
that rated their personal health to be ‘excellent to very
good’ (57.8 per cent) than males (56.7 per cent). Men
were slightly more likely to rate their personal health as
‘good’ (24.5 per cent) than females (22.2 per cent).
Women were slightly more likely to report ‘fair or poor’ personal health than men, with
20 per cent of females electing this status, compared to 18.8 per cent of males.
Figure 1.1 Self-assessed health status by sex in Tasmania (by percentage), 2006
70%
60%
50%
40%
Female
30%
Male
20%
10%
0%
Excellent/Very Good
Good
Fair/Poor
Health Status
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007, General Social Survey, Tasmania, 2006, Catalogue 4159.6.55.001, Table 3 and
Table 4, ABS, Canberra.
18
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Self-assessed health by age
Table 1.1 shows that there were some variations in self-assessed health status ratings according
to age and gender in 2006 (the latest available disaggregated Tasmanian data at the time of
writing).
The percentages of both men and women who considered their health to be ‘excellent or very
good’ decreased gradually with age.
Percentages of both men and women with a self-assessed ‘good’ health status increased with
age; however the rate of increase was higher for females.
The proportion of people reporting ‘fair or poor’ health also increased with age for both men
and women, but more so for men.
In general, younger men were more likely to be positive about their health than younger
women, but as age increased this trend gradually reversed.26
Table 1.1 Self-assessed health status by age and sex in Tasmania, 2006
Age
Excellent/Very Good
Good
Fair/Poor
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
18-24
75.3
73.7
21.6
18.2
N/A*
8.1
25-34
73.6
73.2
22.4
19
N/A*
7.8
35-44
60.8
67.5
25.4
18.5
13.8
14
45-54
55.3
55.2
24.8
21.1
19.9
23.7
55-64
44.9
47.7
24.4
24.8
30.7
27.5
65 and over
36.3
37.8
27.5
29.5
36.2
32.7
* This data was not available for publication. Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007, General Social Survey, Tasmania,
2006, Catalogue 4159.6.55.001, Table 3 and Table 4, ABS, Canberra.
Disability
In 2011 there were 28 726 persons with profound or severe disability in Tasmania, defined as in
need of assistance for core activities of self-care, mobility or communication. Of these 15 323
(53.3 per cent) were female and 13 403 (46.7 per cent) were male.
Table 1.2 shows that the sex ratio of those with disability varied with age. Between the ages of
zero and 24 years notably fewer females with profound or severe disability than males are
shown. The gender balance was roughly equal between the ages of 25 and 74 years, but from
75 years onwards the proportion of females with profound or severe disability progressively
increased.27
26
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007, General Social Survey, Tasmania, 2006, Catalogue 4159.6.55.001, Table 3
and Table 4, ABS, Canberra
27
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B18, ABS, Canberra
19
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Table 1.2 Core activity need for assistance by age and sex in Tasmania, 2011
Age
Male
Female
% Female
0-4 years
231
133
36.5
5-14 years
1 192
562
32
15-19 years
450
263
36.9
20-24 years
312
230
42.4
25-34 years
613
532
46.5
35-44 years
943
1 046
52.6
45-54 years
1 595
1 548
49.3
55-64 years
2 460
2 271
48
65-74 years
2 135
1 970
48
75-84 years
2 067
3 126
60.2
85 years and over
1 405
3 642
72.2
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B18, ABS, Canberra
Mental health
From 2007 to 2008 there were an estimated 54 000 people in Tasmania that identified as
having mental health and behavioural disorders. Of these 30 400 (56.3 per cent) were female
and 23 600 (43.7 per cent) were male.
In the ‘mood affective disorder’ category, including all types of depression such as post-natal
depression and bipolar disorder, there were 35 500 persons. Of these 21 500 (60.6 per cent)
were female and 14 000 (39.4 per cent) were male.
Of the 19 500 persons who experienced ‘anxiety related disorders’, including generalised
anxiety disorders as well as post-traumatic stress and panic attacks, 12 000 (61.5 per cent) were
female and 7 500 (38.5 per cent) were male.
A total of 11 800 persons experienced other types of mental health disorders, such as
schizophrenia and personality disorders. Of these 4 100 (34.7 per cent) were female and 7 700
(65.3 per cent) were male.28
Causes of death
Table 1.3 shows that in 2011 the primary broad category for cause of death for Tasmanian
women was diseases of the circulatory system, whereas the primary cause of death for men
was neoplasm (cancer).
28
Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Health Survey: Summary of Results; State Tables (Tasmania), 2007-2008, Catalogue
No. 4362.0, Table 3.1, March 2011, ABS, Canberra.
20
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
With regard to diseases of the circulatory system, the main type of diseases resulting in death
were ischaemic heart diseases (diseases of the coronary arteries), with 236 female deaths and
317 male deaths.
The other major types of circulatory disease causing death were cerebrovascular diseases
(affecting blood vessels in the brain) with 195 female deaths and 103 male deaths recorded. In
this category there were twice the number of female deaths resulting from stroke than males,
with 112 female deaths compared to 56 male deaths.
The type of neoplasms, or cancers, resulting in the highest number of deaths in both males and
females in Tasmania were cancers of the digestive organs, with 211 male deaths and 148 female
deaths.
Table 1.3 Causes of death by sex in Tasmania, 2011
Causes of Death
Male
Female
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
19
25
Neoplasms
704
531
5
7
Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
112
116
Mental and behavioural disorders
115
167
Diseases of the nervous system
84
108
Diseases of the circulatory system
598
708
Diseases of the respiratory system
200
158
Diseases of the digestive system
64
84
Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
1
4
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
13
24
Diseases of the genitourinary system
34
54
Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal
abnormalities
10
6
Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings
not elsewhere classified
8
11
160
99
All diseases of the blood and blood forming organs and
certain disorders involving the immune mechanism
External causes of morbidity and mortality
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Causes of Death, Australia, 2011, Catalogue 3303.0, Data Cubes, Table 7.1, March
2013, ABS, Canberra.
21
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Tobacco, alcohol and illicit substances
Between 2011 and 2012, Tasmania had a higher daily smoking rate of 19.8 per cent for people
aged 15 years and over when compared to the national average of 15.6 per cent.29
In Tasmania the daily smoking rate for females over 15 years of age was 16.2 per cent,
compared to 23.6 per cent for males.30
Table 1.4 shows that there were variations in the gender ratios of daily smoking rates according
to age. Females had lower rates of daily smoking in all age groups, with the exception of the 65
to 74 year age bracket, where female smoking rates were slightly higher than male rates.31
Table 1.4 Daily smoking by age and sex in Tasmania, 2011-12
Age group
% Male
% Female
15-17
*5.7
**
18-24
22.1
20.6
25-34
37.2
24.3
35-44
36.7
18.2
45-54
27.3
20
55-64
21.3
15.8
65-74
*5.9
*6.5
75+
*7.3
*5.4
* estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
** estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: Updated Results 2011-12, Catalogue 4364.0.55.003, Data
Cubes, Table 2.7, June 2013, ABS, Canberra.
In 2010, Tasmania had the second highest proportion in the nation of women who smoked
during their pregnancy (23 per cent). In 2011 maternal smoking was more prevalent among
younger women, particularly those aged less than 20 years (35.7 per cent).32
According to the Australian Health Survey 2011 to 2012, 49.7 per cent of females residing in
Tasmania aged 15 years and over consumed alcohol in the week prior to completing the
29
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: Updated Results 2011-12, Catalogue 4364.0.55.003, Data Cubes,
Tables 2.7 and 2.1, June 2013, ABS, Canberra.
30
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: Updated Results 2011-12, Catalogue 4364.0.55.003, Table 2.1 and
Table 2.7, ABS, Canberra.
31
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: Updated Results 2011-12, Catalogue 4364.0.55.003, Table 2.7, ABS,
Canberra
32
Department of Health and Human Services (Epidemiology Unit, Population Health) (2013), Information Sheet: Smoking and
Pregnancy in Tasmania 2011, citing the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, National Perinatal Statistics Unit, Australia’s
Mothers and Babies 2010 and the Council of Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity Annual Report 2011.
22
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
survey. This was 19.9 per cent less than the proportion of Tasmanian males who did so
(69.6 per cent), and slightly above the national average for females (49.2 per cent).33
A further 27.4 per cent of female respondents had not consumed alcohol in the previous week
but had done so within the previous 12 months, higher than the proportion of Tasmanian males
(19.2 per cent) in this category.
Figure 1.2 shows that females in Tasmania were statistically less likely than males to consume
alcohol excessively, defined as consumption exceeding levels associated with long-term harm to
health according to the National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2009 guidelines.
More than three times as many males in Tasmania exceeded lifetime risk from alcohol
consumption (34 per cent) than females (9.8 per cent). Males in Tasmania had a 6.2 per cent
higher lifetime risk than males nationally, whereas there was only a 0.1 per cent difference
between the risk for females in Tasmania and females nationally.34
Figure 1.2 Alcohol consumption exceeding lifetime risk 2009 NHMRC guidelines, 15 years
and over, by gender, Tasmania and Australia, 2011-12
40%
35%
30%
25%
Proportion
of Persons
20%
Tasmania
Australia
15%
10%
5%
0%
Females
Males
Persons
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: First Results, Catalogue 4364.0.55.001, Data Cubes, Table
8.3 (Australia) and Table 8.3 (Tasmania), October 2012, ABS, Canberra
As with alcohol consumption exceeding lifetime risk levels, males were significantly more likely
to consume alcohol in discrete episodes which exceeded single occasion risk levels.
Figure 1.3 below shows 63.3 per cent of Tasmanian males aged 15 years and over were
estimated to exceed single occasion risk levels of alcohol consumption, compared to
32.9 per cent of females. A similar gender difference was recorded at the national level, with
56.5 per cent of male adults drinking alcohol in excess of single occasion risk levels compared to
31.1 per cent of females.
33
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: First Results, Catalogue 4364.0.55.001, Datacubes, Tables 1-17
Tasmania (Table 8.3), ABS, Canberra
34
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: First Results , Catalogue 4364.0.55.001, Datacubes, Table 8.3
(Australia) and Tables 1-17 Tasmania (Table 8.3), ABS, Canberra
23
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
As with long-term alcohol related harm, adult males in Tasmania were more likely to exceed
single occasion risk levels when compared to the national rate. This was not the case for
females with similar proportions recorded at both the State and national levels.
Figure 1.3 Alcohol consumption exceeding single occasion risk 2009 NHMRC guidelines, 15
years and over, by gender, Tasmania and Australia, 2011-12
70%
60%
50%
Proportion
of Persons
40%
Tasmania
30%
Australia
20%
10%
0%
Females
Males
Persons
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: First Results, Catalogue 4364.0.55.001, Data Cubes, Table
9.3 (Australia) and Table 9.3 (Tasmania), ABS, Canberra
Of those in Tasmania aged 12 years or more who had used cannabis within the 12 months
prior to 2011 there were higher rates for males (10.2 per cent) than females (6.5 per cent).35
Of those Tasmanians aged 12 years or more who had used an illicit substance other than
cannabis in the previous 12 months females (11.2 per cent) had lower rates of use than males
(14.6 per cent).36
Weight
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height commonly used to classify people
as being underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
In the period 2011 to 2012, 61.5 per cent of all women in Tasmania (over the age of 18) were
overweight or obese, compared to 69.8 per cent of adult men. Women were less likely to be
overweight or obese than males at all ages other than between 18 and 24, as shown in Figure
1.4.
The number of women in Tasmania who were overweight or obese generally increased with
age. However, in the 65 and over age group, the percentage of overweight or obese women
decreased.
35
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2011, 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey report, Drug statistics series
25, Catalogue PHE 145, AIHW Canberra
36
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2011, 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey report, Drug statistics series
25, Catalogue PHE 145, AIHW Canberra
24
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 1.4 Tasmanian females with a BMI classification of overweight or obese compared to
males by age from 2011 to 2012 (by percentage)
90%
80%
70%
60%
Proportion of
Overweight or
Obese Persons
50%
Females
40%
Males
30%
20%
10%
0%
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 and over
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: First Results, Catalogue 4364.0.55.001, Table 6.3
(Tasmania), October 2012, ABS, Canberra
The percentage of women in Tasmania who were overweight or obese was higher than the
national rate of 56.2 per cent.37
There were higher percentages of overweight or obese women in Tasmania than nationally in
most age categories, as shown in Figure 1.5 below.
Figure 1.5 Percentage of women in Tasmania with a BMI classification of overweight or
obese compared to women nationally, by age, 2011 to 2012
80%
70%
60%
Proportion of
Overweight or
Obese Persons
50%
Females in
Tasmania
40%
30%
Females
nationally
20%
10%
0%
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 and over
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: First Results, Catalogue 4364.0.55.001, Table 6.3,
(Australia) and Table 6.3 (Tasmania), October 2012, ABS, Canberra
37
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: First Results (Australia and Tasmania), Catalogue
4364.0.55.001, Table 6.3, ABS, Canberra
25
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Physical activity
Definitions

Physical activity - any sustained body movement that uses energy. We all need regular
physical activity for good physical and mental health, and for achieving and maintaining a
healthy weight.

Exercise - a subcategory of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and
purposeful, in the sense that the improvement or maintenance of one or more
components of physical fitness is the objective.

Sport –a subset of physical activity. Includes activity involving physical exertion, skill
and/or hand-eye coordination as the primary focus, with elements of competition where
rules governing the activity exist formally through organisations.

Active recreation - activities engaged in for the purpose of relaxation, health and
wellbeing or enjoyment, with the primary activity requiring physical exertion, and the
primary focus being on human activity.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour
In Australia and other countries sufficient levels of participation in physical activity are commonly
measured against national physical activity guidelines. The physical activity levels of Tasmanians
aged 18 years and over have remained relatively unchanged over the past 10 years. That is,
69.4 per cent of Tasmanian adults do not undertake the level of physical activity required for
health benefits according to the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines.
This result is comparable to other jurisdictions and the Australian figure of 67.5 per cent
reported in the 2011/12 Australian Health Survey (ABS 2013).
When looking at females only approximately 71 per cent did not achieve adequate levels of
physical activity.
Most Tasmanian secondary students did not meet the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines
recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day38
according to the results from the 2011 Australian Secondary Students Alcohol and Drug Survey
(ASSADS).
Being insufficiently active and spending too much time watching television or using computers
during leisure time were both independently associated with being overweight and obesity
among Australian young people.39
In 2011, only 18 per cent of students aged 12-15 years and 17 per cent of students aged 1617 years met the recommendations of the physical activity guidelines. Compared to female
students, male students were much more likely to report adequate levels of physical activity.
38
Skaczkowski, G., Bariola, E. and Balint, A. (2013), Prevalence of diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviours, among
Tasmanian secondary school students in 2011 and trends over time, Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer: Cancer
Council Victoria
39
Morley B. C. et al, What factors are associated with excess body weight in Australian secondary school students?. MJA 2012;
196(3): 189-192
26
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Between 2005 and 2011 while the proportion of students across both age groups decreased
for watching television/videos/DVDs, the proportion of students using the internet/playing
computer games for three or more hours on an average school day increased (significantly for
16-17 year olds).40
During the development of this report the National Physical Activity Guidelines were reviewed
and replaced with Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. This
provided an evidence-based update to the levels of daily activity required for people of all ages.
For more information on the revised guidelines, as well as practical ideas on how to incorporate
physical activity into your and your family’s daily lives, visit the Get Moving Tasmania website at
www.getmoving.tas.gov.au/being_active/how_much_do_i_need
Sport and Physical Recreation
In the period from 2011 to 2012 there were 280 000 participants in sports and physical
recreation in Tasmania. Of these 137 100 were male and 142 900 were female.41
As indicated in Table 1.5 more men (21.3 per cent) than women (13.9 per cent) participated in
sport and physical recreation up to once per week.
However women were more likely than men to participate more than once per week, with just
more than half of all Tasmanian women (54.9 per cent) participating more than once a week
compared to under half of all Tasmanian men (47.7 per cent).
Table 1.5 Tasmanian participation in sport and physical recreation by frequency and sex
Frequency of Participation
% Males
% Females
% Total Males
and Females
None
31.0
30.9
31.0
Up to once per week
21.3
13.9
17.5
One to two times per week
23.7
26.1
24.9
Three to four times per week
10.1
11.7
10.9
Five or more times per week
13.9
17.1
15.5
Data source: Commonwealth of Australia, Participation in Sport and Active Recreation 2011-12, Australian Sports Commission,
Canberra, 2013, Table 118.
Table 1.6 shows participation rates in various sport and physical recreation activities for males
and females.
As tabled the participation rates varied considerably between males and females according to
the type of physical activity.
40
Skaczkowski, et.al, (2013)
Commonwealth of Australia, Participation in Sport and Active Recreation 2011-12, Australian Sports Commission, Canberra,
2013, Table 116.
41
27
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Table 1.6 Sport and physical recreation activity participation rates by sex in Tasmania
Activity
% Males
% Females
Walking for exercise
20.5
36.1
Fitness/Gym
11.6
18.9
Swimming/Diving
4.4
7.5
Cycling/BMXing
8
3.6
Jogging/Running
6.8
5.6
Golf
8.3
0.9
Tennis (indoor and outdoor)
2.7
2.9
Soccer (outdoor)
2.7
1.7
Bushwalking
6.3
4.3
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Participation in Sport and Physical Recreation, Australia, 2011-12, Catalogue 4177.0,
Data Cubes, Table 10, December 2012, ABS, Canberra.
Information on the number of female members of Tasmanian sporting organisations is included
under Outcome 6 of this report, Leadership and Community Participation.
Health insurance
Available national data shows that between 2011 and 2012 a little over 9.7 million adults in
Australia had private health insurance. Of these approximately 5 million (52 per cent) were
female.42
People living in areas with relatively high levels of socio-economic disadvantage had the lowest
levels of private health insurance in Australia (33.4 per cent), while people living in areas of low
disadvantage had the highest levels of private health insurance (79.4 per cent).43
In summary44




Tasmania had a higher percentage of females with profound or severe disability.
Women were slightly more likely to report mental health and behavioural disorders
than men.
Women were less likely than males to smoke daily, and were less likely to consume
alcohol at levels risking their health.
Tasmania had the second highest proportion in the nation (23 per cent) of women who
smoked during their pregnancy.
42
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: Health Usage and Health Related Actions 2011-12, Catalogue
4364.0.55.002, Data Cubes, Table 17.1 Private Health Insurance Persons Estimate, March 2013, ABS, Canberra.
43
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Health Survey: Health Usage and Health Related Actions 2011-12, Catalogue
4364.0.55.002, Summary, Health Actions of the General Population, March 2013, ABS, Canberra.
44
Refer to chapter contents for source details.
28
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT



While Tasmanian women were less likely than men to be overweight in most age
ranges, there were higher percentages of overweight women in the state than the
national average.
Approximately 71 per cent of Tasmanian women did not achieve adequate levels of
physical activity in 2011-12 according to Australian guidelines.
Women in Tasmania participated more each week in sport and physical recreation
activities than men.
29
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
2. ECONOMIC SECURITY AND
FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
Economic security empowers women and girls, enabling them to make choices and live
independently. It enriches all aspects of their lives, including education, health, safety, and
the ability to achieve their ambitions.
Employment: full and part-time
At Census in 2011 there were 217 298 people employed in
Tasmania. Of these people 113 074 (52 per cent) were men
and 104 224 (48 per cent) were women.45
There were 126 465 people in full-time employment. Of
these people, 82 162 (65 per cent) were men and 44 303
(35 per cent) were women. There were 76 382 people in
part-time employment, of which 52 537 (69 per cent) were
women and 23 845 (31 per cent) were men.46
Unemployment and underemployment
More recent labour force participation rates show that in July
2013 women had lower labour force participation rates than
men in all Australian states and territories, although the rates
of participation varied as shown in Table 2.1 below.
At that time, seasonally adjusted statistics indicated there
were 20 600 unemployed persons in Tasmania (defined as people without work, actively
seeking work and currently available for work). The seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for
females and males were the same, recorded at 8.2 per cent.47
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines an underemployed worker as a part-time employee
who works less than 35 hours per week and who wants, and is available for, more hours of
work than they currently have. Full-time workers who have had their work hours reduced for
economic reasons are also considered underemployed. In September 2012 there were 14 600
underemployed females and 8 500 underemployed males in Tasmania.48
45
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B42, ABS, Canberra.
46
Ibid.
47
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force, Australia 2013 (Tasmania), Catalogue 6202.0, Table 09, August 2013, ABS,
Canberra.
48
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Underemployed Workers, Australia, September 2012, Catalogue 6265.0, Table 8, February
2013, ABS, Canberra.
30
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Table 2.1 Labour force participation rates by sex, state and territory
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
AUS
ACT
%
Female
57.3
58.6
59.7
55.9
60
55.2
71.3
67.1
% Male
70.4
71.3
72.1
68.5
75.5
64.8
78.9
76.4
58.5
71.4
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force, Australia 2013, Catalogue 6202.0, Table 12, ABS, Canberra
Women’s labour force participation by age
At Census 2011, labour force participation rates in Tasmania varied depending on age for both
men and women, as shown in Figure 2.1 below.
Women had lower participation rates than men in all age groups, apart from the 15 to 19 year
age group where female participation rates were 5.8 per cent higher than male participation
rates. The most significant difference was in the 25 to 34 year age group which showed female
participation rates 15.2 per cent lower than male participation rates.49
Figure 2.1 Labour force participation rates by sex and age in Tasmania, August 2013
90%
80%
70%
60%
Proportion of
Persons in the
Labour Force
50%
Females
40%
Males
30%
20%
10%
0%
15-19
20-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 and
over
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B42, ABS, Canberra.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples employment
At Census 2011, there were 6 364 employed Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in
Tasmania. Of those employed 3 271 (51.4 per cent) were male and 3 093 (48.6 per cent) were
female.
49
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B42, ABS, Canberra.
31
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander males had a labour force participation rate of
62.4 per cent, lower than the 64.8 per cent for non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
males.
The labour force participation rate for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander females was
52.5 per cent, compared to non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander females at
55.2 per cent.
In 2011, there were 905 unemployed Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in
Tasmania, accounting for 12.5 per cent of the total Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
peoples labour force.
Among the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who were unemployed there were
527 men (58.2 per cent) and 378 women (41.8 per cent).50
Labour force participation of sole parents
In 2011, there were 22 824 sole parents in Tasmania, comprising 18 600 sole female parents
and 4 224 sole male parents. Of the female parents 55 per cent participated in the labour force
compared to 71.4 per cent of sole male parents that participated in the labour force. 51
Parental work arrangements
As of June 2011, women in Tasmania were much more likely than men to organise their work
arrangements around caring for children.
Of families with children aged 0 – 12 years that had a female parent/guardian in employment,
76 per cent of those women used some kind of work arrangement to care for their child.
By contrast, only 43 per cent of families with children aged 0 – 12 years that had a male
parent/guardian in employment used work arrangement to care for a child.52
As shown in Figure 2.2, the type of work arrangements used by parents/guardians varied
between women and men.
The greatest variance was seen in part-time work arrangements, with 46 per cent of women
using part-time work arrangements compared to six per cent of men.53
50
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
(Indigenous) Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue 2002.6, Table I16, ABS, Canberra.
51
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Expanded Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2005.6, Table X34, ABS, Canberra.
52
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Childhood Education and Care, Australia, Catalogue 4402.0.55.003, Data Cubes, Table 5, June
2011, ABS, Canberra.
53
Ibid.
32
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 2.2 Parental work arrangements used to care for children (0-12 years old) by sex in
Tasmania, 2011
20000
18000
16000
14000
12000
Females
10000
Males
Number of
Employed
Persons
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
Flexible work Part-time work Work at home Any other
No work
hours
arrangement arrangements
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Childhood Education and Care, Australia, Datacubes, June 2011, Catalogue
4402.0.55.003, Table 5, ABS, Canberra
Industry of employment
As shown in Figure 2.3, in 2011 female employment ratios in Tasmania were highest in the
industries of health care and social assistance (80.1 per cent), education and training
(69.6 per cent) and accommodation and food services (62.3 per cent). 54
54
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B43, ABS, Canberra
33
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 2.3 Industry of employment by sex in Tasmania, 2011
Total
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Mining
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
Manufacturing
Construction
Industry
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Accommodation and Food Services
Transport, Postal and Warehousing
Females
Information Media and Telecommunications
Males
Financial and Insurance Services
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Public Administration and Safety
Administrative and Support Services
Education and Training
Health Care and Social Assistance
Arts and Recreation Services
Other Services
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Proportion of Employees
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B43, ABS, Canberra
Women in business
An owner/manager is a person who works in their own business, with or without employees,
whether or not the business is of limited liability.55
In 2011, there were 3 194 female owner/managers of incorporated enterprises in Tasmania,
compared with 6 992 male owner/managers. This indicates that women made up 31.5 per cent
of all owner/managers of incorporated enterprises.
Of Tasmania’s unincorporated enterprises 6 621 women were owner/managers, compared with
13 546 male owner/managers.56
55
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Census Dictionary, 2011, Catalogue 2901.0, ABS,
Canberra
56
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Working Population Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2006.6, Table W02, ABS, Canberra
34
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Gender pay gap
As at May 2013, average weekly earnings (based on full-time ordinary earnings) were higher for
males than for females in Tasmania. Men earned on average $1 303.80 a week, while women
earned $1 187.00 (a difference of $116.80 per week).57
Nationally, women were also earning less than men in all Australian states and territories.
However, the gender pay equity ratios varied as outlined in Table 2.2 below. Tasmania had the
lowest gender pay equity gap, with females earning 91 per cent of male earnings. Nationally,
women made 82.5 per cent of men’s earnings (a difference of $266.20 per week).
Table 2.2 States’ gender pay equity based on full-time adult ordinary time earnings ($) May
2013 (Trend)
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
AUS
Males
1 490.3
1 406.7
1 551.9
1 358.4
1 810.9
1 303.8
1 584.1
1 825.5
1 518.4
Females
1 272.2
1 216.6
1 208.5
1 149.7
1 324.0
1 187.0
1 260.4
1 554.8
1 252.2
Persons
1 410.9
1 340.8
1 422.6
1 285.8
1 646.2
1 265.2
1 446.9
1 704.6
1 422.7
85.4%
86.5%
77.9%
84.6%
73.1%
91.0%
79.6%
85.2%
82.5%
Ratio
(F/M)*
Rank
3
2
7
5
8
1
6
4
-
* Female earnings as a percentage of male earnings
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, May 2013, Catalogue 6302.0, Time Series
Spreadsheets, Table 1 and Tables 11A to 11H, August 2013, ABS, Canberra.
Figure 2.4 shows that between May 1995 and May 2013 there were numerous fluctuations in
the gender pay gap ratios in Tasmania.
Of these fluctuations the most significant increase to the gender pay gap was between 1996
and 1997 (41.1 per cent). The most dramatic decrease in the gender pay gap was in 2001 when
there was a 30.8 per cent drop from the previous year.
Recent improvements in gender pay equity in Tasmania contrast with the national trend which
has shown a steady increase in the difference between male and female earnings.
57
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, May 2013, Catalogue 6302.0, Table 11F (Trend) ABS,
Canberra
35
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 2.4 Difference in average weekly income for full-time ordinary earnings according to
sex in Tasmania and Australia, May 1995 to May 2013
$310.00
$260.00
$210.00
Tasmania
Australia
$160.00
$110.00
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
$60.00
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, Catalogue 6302.0, Time Series Spreadsheets,
Table 3 and Table 13F , August 2013, ABS, Canberra
Carers
In 2011, there were 46 645 persons who provided unpaid care to another person because of
disability, long-term illness or problems related to old age within the two weeks prior to the
national Census. Of these carers 28 624 (61.4 per cent) were female, compared to 18 021
(38.6 per cent) male carers.
Table 2.3 shows that the number of persons doing unpaid caring work varied according to age.
The highest number of female carers were between the ages of 55 and 64 years (7 371
carers).58
Table 2.3 Carers by age and sex in Tasmania, 2011
Age
Male
Female
% Female
15-19 years
635
706
52.6
20-24 years
624
963
60.7
25-34 years
1 654
3 067
65
35-44 years
2 752
4 943
64.2
45-54 years
4 070
6 950
63.1
55-64 years
4 457
7 371
62.3
58
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B21, ABS, Canberra
36
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
65-74 years
2 384
3 209
57.4
75-84 years
1 179
1 187
50.2
266
228
46.2
85 years and over
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B21, ABS, Canberra
Superannuation
Statistics indicate that women in Tasmania were less likely to have a superannuation account
than men, and would have significantly lower superannuation account balances where accounts
did exist.
As at 2007 there were 93 900 people aged 15 years and over in Tasmania who had never had
a superannuation account, this equated to 24.3 per cent of the population at the time.
There were substantially higher rates of women in Tasmania that had never had a
superannuation account (29.7 per cent) than men (18.7 per cent). Of those with
superannuation accounts, 28 per cent of men made personal contributions to their funds
compared with 23.4 per cent of women.59
Table 2.4 shows that as of 2007 there was a high percentage of women with low value
superannuation accounts (balances between $1 and $9 999 dollars). Of those categorised in
the lowest account balance level 61.3 per cent were women and 38.7 per cent were men.
Women were also over-represented in the second lowest balance category with 58.5 per cent
having $10 000 to $24 999 in superannuation funds.
Men were more likely to have high superannuation accounts, with 65.1 per cent ranked in the
$50 000 to $99 999 category and 64.3 per cent in the $100 000 or more category.60
Table 2.4 Superannuation accounts in the accumulation phase by sex in Tasmania 2007
Dollars $
% Males
% Females
1-9 999
38.7
61.3
10 000-24 999
41.5
58.5
25 000-49 999
58.3
41.7
50 000-99 999
65.1
34.9
100 000 or more
64.3
35.7
Balance not determined
58.2
41.8
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employment Arrangements, Retirement and Superannuation: State Tables,
Catalogue 6361.0.55.003, April to July 2007, Table 31, June 2009, ABS, Canberra, 2009
59
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employment Arrangements, Retirement and Superannuation: State Tables, April to July 2007,
Catalogue 6361.0.55.003, Table 25 and Table 39, ABS, Canberra, 2009
60
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employment Arrangements, Retirement and Superannuation: State Tables, April to July 2007,
Catalogue 6361.0.55.003, Table 31, June 2009, ABS, Canberra, 2009
37
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
In summary61
61

Females accounted for 48 per cent of people employed in Tasmania.

Sole female parents were 16.4 per cent less likely to participate in the labour force than
sole male parents, while female working parents were more likely to organise a work
arrangement to care for their children.

While female workers earned $116.80 less than males each week, Tasmania had the
lowest gender pay equity gap in the nation.

More women than men were unpaid carers to another person due to that person’s
disability, long-term illness or problems related to old age.

Available data suggests women were less likely to have a superannuation account.
Refer to chapter contents for source details.
38
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
3. EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Education and training provides women and girls with invaluable tools, enables them to
participate fully in the community and directly increases their ability to gain meaningful
employment and support their health and wellbeing.
Education
Tables 3.1 – 3.5 show National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
results in Tasmania for 2012.
Girls achieved higher NAPLAN results than boys in years three, five, seven and nine for reading,
writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. Year nine boys were the only
exception to this trend, recording slightly higher results than girls in numeracy.62
Figure 3.1 Reading at or above the national minimum standard by sex 2012
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 7
Grade 9
Male (%)
90.6
88.1
92.1
87.4
Female (%)
95.3
93.3
95.7
92.4
Figure 3.2 Writing at or above the national minimum standard by sex 2012
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 7
Grade 9
Male (%)
93.4
88.4
81.8
71
Female (%)
97.9
96
93.8
86.6
Figure 3.3 Spelling at or above the national minimum standard by sex 2012
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 7
Grade 9
Male (%)
90.2
88.4
87.1
81.3
Female (%)
95.2
94.9
94.4
90.1
Figure 3.4 Grammar and punctuation at or above the national minimum standard by sex
2012
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 7
Grade 9
Male (%)
88.8
84.6
92.1
83.8
Female (%)
95.3
92.6
97.1
91.7
62
NAPLAN National Reports and Results http://reports.acara.edu.au/Home/Results
39
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 3.5 Numeracy at or above the national minimum standard by sex 2012
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 7
Grade 9
Male (%)
93.1
92.2
92.8
93
Female (%)
94.7
93.1
93.6
91.7
Data source: NAPLAN National Reports and Results http://reports.acara.edu.au/Home/Results
Secondary education
In Tasmania in 2012 there were a total of 39 042
students in full or part-time secondary study (years 7 to
12).63
Females accounted for 19 372 (49.6 per cent)
secondary students, while males accounted for 19 670
(50.4 per cent). The male to female ratio has decreased
since 2008 when females accounted for 19 294
(50.3 per cent) of students and males 19 051
(49.7 per cent).64
Table 3.6 shows the number of full and part-time
secondary students by year and by sex, and the female percentage. There were slightly lower
percentages of females from year 7 to year 11, which was generally consistent with Tasmania’s
population sex ratio in that age group. However in year 12 the proportion of female students
increased to 51.7 per cent.
While the total number of male and female full-time secondary students decreased in years 11
and 12, the decrease seen in the male student population was greater than that in the female
student population.65
Table 3.6 Full-time secondary school students by year and sex 2012
Secondary Year Level
Female
Male
% Female
Year 7
3 239
3 363
49.1
Year 8
3 173
3 391
48.3
Year 9
3 137
3 219
49.4
Year 10
3 243
3 418
48.7
Year 11
2 879
2 904
49.8
Year 12
2 421
2 259
51.7
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Schools, Australia, 2012, Catalogue 4221.0, Data Cubes, Table 42b, February 2013,
ABS, Canberra.
63
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Schools, Australia, 2012, Catalogue 4221.0, Data Cubes, Table 42b, February 2013, ABS,
Canberra.
64
Ibid.
65
Ibid.
40
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Teaching staff by gender
In 2012, there were 5 952 in-school full-time equivalent (FTE) teaching staff in Tasmania. Of
these, 4 066.5 (68.3 per cent) were female and 1 885.5 (31.7 per cent) were male.66
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in education
In 2012, there were 5 879 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in full and part-time
education in Tasmania. Of these students, 2 903 (49.4 per cent) were female and 2 976
(50.6 per cent) were male.67 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students accounted for
approximately seven per cent of all full-time students in Tasmania.68
Apparent year level retention rates
Table 3.7 shows the rate of continuing education (retention) from year 8 through to year 12 in
2012. Females had higher retention rates across all year levels shown. In particular, year 10 – 11
and year 11 – 12 retention rates indicate a greater percentage of females continuing through to
the concluding year of their K-12 education.
Table 3.7 Apparent year level retention rates (per cent) by sex, 2012
Year
8-9
9-10
10-11
11-12
Female (%)
99
98.4
87.5
84.2
99.1
99
82.8
81.9
Male (%)
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Schools, Australia, 2012, Catalogue 4221.0, Data Cubes, Table 42b, ABS, Canberra
Educational attainment
Figure 3.1 demonstrates there were variations in the types of qualifications attained in Tasmania
according to gender in 2012. The most common type of non-school qualification for women in
Tasmania was a Bachelor Degree, whereas for men it was a Certificate III or IV.69
66
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Schools, Australia, 2012, Catalogue 4221.0, Table 51a, February 2013, ABS, Canberra.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Schools, Australia, 2012, Catalogue 4221.0, Table 42b, February 2013, ABS, Canberra.
68
Ibid.
69
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Education and Work, May 2012, Catalogue 6227.0, Data Cubes, Table 14, November 2012,
ABS, Canberra.
67
41
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 3.1 Highest educational attainment, 15 – 64 year olds, by sex, 2012
30%
25%
20%
Proportion of
Population
15%
Males
Females
10%
5%
0%
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Education and Work, Australia, May 2012, Catalogue 6227.0, Data Cubes, Table 14,
November 2012, ABS, Canberra
Figure 3.2 shows that in Tasmania there were significant differences in the sex ratios of the main
fields of study for non-school qualifications in 2011. There were more females qualified in the
areas of society and culture; management and commerce; health, food and hospitality;
education; and the creative arts. A higher proportion of males were qualified in the fields of
natural and physical sciences; information technology; engineering; architecture and building; and
agriculture and the environment.70
70
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B41, ABS, Canberra
42
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 3.2 Main field of study for Tasmanians aged 15 and over with non-school qualifications
by sex, 2011
Mixed Field Programmes
Food, Hospitality and Personal Services
Creative Arts
Society and Culture
Management and Commerce
Education
Females
Health
Males
Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies
Architecture and Building
Engineering and Related Technologies
Information Technology
Natural and Physical Sciences
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
Number of Persons
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B41, ABS, Canberra
Educational attainment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
Figure 3.3 shows that in Tasmania the highest level of non-school qualifications for Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples varied according to sex in 2011.
The most common types of non-school qualifications for both males and females were
Certificates III and IV. There were significantly more males with these qualifications (1 353) than
females (932), whereas females outnumbered males in all other categories of non-school
qualifications.71
71
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
(Indigenous) Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue 2002.6, Table I15, ABS, Canberra
43
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 3.3 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples of Tasmanians aged 15 years and
over highest level of non-school qualification by sex, 2011
1600
1400
1200
1000
Number of
Persons
Males
800
Females
600
400
200
0
Postgraduate Degree,
Graduate Diploma
and Graduate
Certificate Level
Bachelor Degree
Level
Advanced Diploma
and Diploma Level
Certificate Level
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Peoples (Indigenous) Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue 2002.6, Table I15, ABS, Canberra
Higher education
In 2012, there were 3 000 completions at an undergraduate award level, as shown in Table 3.8
below. Of these, a higher number were women, with 1 605 (53.5 per cent) females and 1 395
(46.5 per cent) males.
Table 3.8 Undergraduate course completions by faculty and gender 2012
Faculty
Female
Male
% Female
Australian Maritime College
37
205
15.3
Arts
387
256
60.2
Business
257
243
51.4
Education
194
51
79.2
Health Science
393
138
74
Law
71
48
59.7
Science, Engineering and Technology
266
454
36.9
1 605
1 395
53.5
Total
Data source: University of Tasmania, Management Information and Reporting Unit, ‘Course Completions by Faculty and
Gender’ 2012, University of Tasmania, Australia (unpublished data)
44
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
In 2012, there were 2 164 completions at a postgraduate award level in Tasmania, as shown in
Table 3.9 below. Again, a higher number were female 1 461 (67.5 per cent), compared to 703
(32.5 per cent) males.
Figure 3.4 Postgraduate course completions by faculty and gender 2012
Faculty
Female
Male
% Female
Australian Maritime College
17
40
29.8
Arts
108
76
58.7
Business
256
215
54.4
Education
195
70
73.6
Health Science
604
85
87.7
Law
45
29
60.8
Science, Engineering and Technology
160
188
46
1 461
703
67.5
Total
Data source: University of Tasmania, Management Information and Reporting Unit, ‘Course Completions by Faculty and
Gender’ 2012, University of Tasmania, Australia (unpublished data)
Vocational education and training
In 2012, there were 43 000 Vocational Education and Training (VET) students in Tasmania.
There was a slightly lower ratio of women in VET studies with 19 135 (44.5 per cent) females
compared to 23 865 (55.5 per cent) males. Figure 3.4 shows there were significant differences
in the sex ratios for the main fields of study.72
72
National Centre for Vocational and Education Research (NCVER), Australian vocational education and training statistics:
Students and courses 2012 (Tasmania), Table 5, July 2013, NCVER, Adelaide.
45
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 3.5 VET students by field of study and sex, 2012
Subject only - no field of education
Mixed field programmes
Food, hospitality and personal services
Creative Arts
Society and Culture
Management and commerce
Males
Education
Females
Health
Agriculture, environmental and related…
Architecture and building
Engineering and related technologies
Information technology
Natural and physical sciences
0%
5%
10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
Proportion of Student Population
Data source: National Centre for Vocational and Education Research (NCVER), Australian vocational education and training
statistics: Students and courses 2012 (Tasmania), Table 5, July 2013, NCVER, Adelaide
Figure 3.6 VET students by gender 2008 to 2012
31000
29000
27000
25000
Number of
23000
Students
Males
Females
21000
19000
17000
15000
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Data source: National Centre for Vocational and Education Research (NCVER), Australian vocational education and training
statistics: Students and courses 2012 (Tasmania), Table 3, July 2013, NCVER, Adelaide.
46
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
In summary73






73
Girls generally had higher NAPLAN results than boys for reading, writing, spelling,
grammar and punctuation, and numeracy.
Girls had higher retention rates than boys for years 10 through 12.
Of 3 000 undergraduate completions, 53.5 per cent were female.
Women also had a higher rate (67.5 per cent) of postgraduate completion than males.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women outnumbered Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander men in all categories of non-school qualifications above Certificate IV
level.
Females accounted for fewer vocational education and training (VET) students.
Refer to chapter contents for source details.
47
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
4. HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
Those most affected by housing crises and homelessness are the poor, vulnerable and
disadvantaged and, among them, women and children who have experienced family
violence.
Homelessness
There were 1 579 homeless people in Tasmania in 2011.
Of these, 58 per cent were male and 42 per cent were
female.74
Table 4.1 shows that, as at 2011, there were variations in
the ratio of males and females living in different types of
non-permanent dwellings on Census night in 2011. The
majority of all homeless people were living in temporary
accommodation with friends or relatives.
Table 4.1 Type of non-permanent dwelling by sex in Tasmania 2011 (Census night)
Type of
homeless
dwelling
Boarding
house
‘Severely’
crowded
dwelling
Temporarily
with other
household
Temporary
lodging
Supported
accommodation
for the
homeless
Improvised
dwelling
(including
tents)
All
Number
240
183
501
21
479
157
1 581
% Male
70
54.1
55.5
28.6
53.7
71.3
58.2
% Female
30
45.9
44.5
71.4
46.3
28.7
41.8
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness 2011, Catalogue
2049.0, Data Cubes (State and territory of usual residence - Sex by age of person), Table 7, ABS, Canberra.
Table 4.2 shows there were lower numbers of homeless females than males across all age
brackets in the non-permanent dwellings outlined above. The greatest difference was between
the ages of 55 and 64, with women 30.6 per cent less likely to be homeless, while the ratios
were closest for males and females between the ages of 19 and 24.
Table 4.2 Percentage of males and females, by age, in non-permanent dwellings in Tasmania
2011 (Census night)
Age
Under
12
12-18
19-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
All
% Male
53.2
52.8
52.5
59.2
60.8
64
65.3
60.6
58.2
% Female
46.8
47.2
47.5
40.8
39.2
36
34.7
39.4
41.8
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness 2011, Catalogue
2049.0, Data Cubes (State and territory of usual residence - Sex by age of person), Table 7, ABS, Canberra.
74
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness 2011, Catalogue 2049.0, Tables 6,
ABS, Canberra.
48
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Of those who were homeless more than once in 2011-12, females outnumbered males among
those aged 34 or less (117 females compared to 99 males). Males outnumbered females among
those aged 35 or more.75
Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS)
In the period from 2010 to 2011 an estimated 6 800 Tasmanians, 46.1 per cent of whom were
males and 53.9 per cent females, received support from government-funded Specialist
Homelessness Agencies, or SHAs.
Of these, 4 300 (62.3 per cent) were clients and 2 600 (37.7 per cent) were children (aged 0 –
17 years) accompanying clients. The median age of all clients (including children) using SHA
services was 19 years76 indicating that 50 per cent of all clients were aged older and 50 per cent
were aged younger than 19.
Figure 4.1 shows more female SHS clients than males in the younger age brackets. Men had a
slightly higher representation in the older age brackets. The largest numbers of both male and
female clients were under 15 years of age, accounting for approximately 36.7 per cent of all
clients.77
Figure 4.1 Tasmanian SHS clients by age and sex, 2010-2011
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
Under 15 years
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
Males
35-39
Females
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65 years and over
Proportion of Clients
Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Government-funded specialist homelessness services, SAAP
National Data Collection Annual Report 2010-11 - Tasmania, Catalogue HOU 257, Table A6, 2011, AIHW, Canberra
75
National Affordable Housing Agreement, Homelessness 2011-12: Comparing Performance Across Australia - Statistical Supplement
COAG Reform Council, Sydney, 2013, Table NAHA. 4.1 Proportion of people experiencing repeat periods of homelessness
(Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS)), by State and Territory, by age and sex, 2011-12.
76
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Government-funded specialist homelessness services, SAAP National
Data Collection Annual Report 2010-11 - Tasmania, Catalogue HOU 257, 2011, AIHW, Canberra.
77
Ibid, Table A6.
49
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
SHS support periods
Table 4.3 shows that there was a significant gender difference in the relative frequency of use of
SHS support periods for lone clients over the age of 25. Males in this category had the highest
proportion of support of all client groups (24.5 per cent), compared with only 11 per cent for
women.78 This was closely followed by females with children (23.6 per cent).
Table 4.3 Incidence of support periods by client group in Tasmania 2010-2011
Client Group
Percentage Of All Client
Support Periods
Male alone, under 25
12.9
Male alone, 25+
24.5
Female alone, under 25
14.1
Female alone, 25+
11
Couple No Children
4.7
Couple With Children
5.4
Male With Children
2.6
Female With Children
23.6
Other
1.1
Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Government-funded specialist homelessness services, SAAP
National Data Collection Annual Report 2010-11 - Tasmania, Table A18, Catalogue HOU 257, 2011, AIHW, Canberra.
Primary reasons for seeking support
The main reason for women to seek SHS assistance in 2010 to 2011, whether aged under or
over 25 years (34.7 and 18.2 per cent respectively), was recoded as ‘relationship/family
breakdown’. This broad category includes classification for ‘domestic/family violence’, which was
the foremost reason for women with children to seek SHS assistance (25.3 per cent). The
primary reason for men to seek this assistance was also classified as ‘interpersonal relationships’
which includes a classification for ‘relationship/family breakdowns’.
‘Accommodation problems’ were the second most common reason for seeking assistance in
2010 to 2011 for both males and females, accounting for 26.7 per cent of all persons requesting
SHS support.79
Accompanying children
During 2010-11 there were approximately 2 600 children (aged 0 – 17 years) in services with
their parents or guardians, representing 37.7 per cent of SHS assistance recipients. There were
78
79
Ibid, Table A18.
Ibid, Table A20, 2011.
50
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
similar numbers of male and female children in this group (49.4 per cent and 50.6 per cent
respectively).80
It is evident from Figure 4.2 that the largest percentage of accompanying children was aged
between zero and four years. This age group made up 45.2 per cent of all accompanying
children. There were slightly more male children in this category (23.8 per cent) than females
(21.4 per cent).81
Figure 4.2 Accompanying children in SHS by age and sex in Tasmania 2010-11
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
0-4 years
5-9 years
Males
10-14 years
Females
15-17 years
Total
Proportion of
Accompanying Children
Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Government-funded specialist homelessness services, SAAP
National Data Collection Annual Report 2010-11 - Tasmania, Catalogue HOU 257, Table A10, 2011, AIHW, Canberra.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples: SHS clients
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander females made up 11.6 per cent of SHS clients in the
period 2010-2011. This was over-representative of the total Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander female population in 2011. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander males were also
overrepresented, accounting for 9.8 per cent of clients while representing only four per cent of
the total Tasmanian male population. The higher number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander females compared to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander males accessing services in
Tasmania was similar to the trend shown by non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander SHS
clients.82 83
80
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Government-funded specialist homelessness services, SAAP National
Data Collection Annual Report 2010-11 - Tasmania, Catalogue HOU 257, Figure 1.1 and Table 2.1, 2011, AIHW, Canberra.
81
Ibid, Table A10.
82
Ibid, Table A13.
83
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B07, ABS, Canberra
51
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Public housing
There were 20 383 people in public housing in Tasmania as at 31 July 2013. Of these, a higher
number were women, with 11 323 (55.6 per cent) females and 9 060 (44.4 per cent) males.84
Table 4.4 shows that there were variations in the percentage of women in public housing
according to age as at July 2013.85 There were a lower percentage of female public housing
occupants than males between the ages of 0 to 20 years however females represented more
occupants than males in all other age categories.
Table 4.4 Public housing occupants by age and sex in Tasmania 31 July 2013
Age
Male
Female
% Female
0-10
1 856
1 833
49.7
11-20
1 765
1 692
48.9
21-30
800
1 175
59.4
31-40
829
1 266
60.4
41-50
1 126
1 496
57.7
51-60
1 123
1 493
57
61-70
914
1 234
57.4
71-80
477
740
60.8
81 and over
170
394
69.8
9 060
11 323
55.6
Total
Source: Housing Tasmania, ‘Public housing occupants by gender and age in Tasmania 31 July 2013’ unpublished data.
In summary86

Females comprised 42 per cent of the homeless count on Census night 2011.

Females aged 34 years or less outnumbered males in this age group among those who
were homeless more than once in 2011-12.

Females comprised 53.9 per cent of SHS clients receiving support.

Female SHS clients outnumbered males among those aged 34 years and younger; male
clients outnumbered females among those aged 35 years and older.

The client groups that were the highest users of SHS support periods were lone males
aged more than 25 years and females with children.

Children accompanying SHS clients were most commonly aged between zero and four
years.
84
Housing Tasmania, ‘Public housing occupants by gender and age in Tasmania 31 July 2013’ unpublished data.
Housing Tasmania, ‘Public housing occupants by gender and age in Tasmania 31 July 2009’ unpublished data.
86
Refer to chapter contents for source details.
85
52
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT

The most common reason females sought SHS assistance was relationship/family
breakdown.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander female SHS clients were over-represented
compared to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander population in Tasmania.

Females were 55.6 per cent of public housing tenants and outnumbered males in all age
groups over 20 years.
53
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
5. SAFETY AND JUSTICE
It is a basic right of all people to feel safe in our workplaces, educational institutions,
public places and homes. Women and girls’ experiences of these places are quite
different to the experiences of men and boys.
Please note, due to different business practices across the states and territories, the Australian Bureau
of Statistics (ABS) has only published data for jurisdictions complying with the National Crime
Recording Standard (NCRS). Detailed ABS assault data from 2010 onwards is only available for New
South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory.
This report uses the most recently available data for Tasmania.
Personal safety
In Tasmania, as at 2010, there were a higher
percentage of males (96.3 per cent) who felt safe at
home alone after dark than females (82 per cent). A
much higher percentage of males (72.2 per cent) than
females (37.3 per cent) felt safe walking alone in their
local area after dark.87
Assault and sexual assault
During the 2011-12 financial year there were 2 816
reported victims of assault in Tasmania. Of these,
48.3 per cent were female and 51.7 per cent were
male.88
The highest proportion of victims in 2011-12 were aged between 20 and 44 years, comprising
59.9 per cent (871) of all male assault victims and 66 per cent (898) of all female assault
victims.89
Women were more likely than men to have known the offender – 84.2 per cent of assaults on
females were perpetrated by someone known to them, compared to 49.1 per cent of assaults
on males.90
Figure 5.1 shows the significant differences in the relationships between male and female victims
of assault and their perpetrators in 2011-12. In that period 31.5 per cent of assaults on females
were perpetrated by a partner or boyfriend/girlfriend. Assault by another family member
accounted for 7.5 per cent of assaults in 2011-2012. A further 18.7 per cent of assaults were by
an ex-partner or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, 26.5 per cent by a non-family member and
15.8 per cent by someone unknown to the victim or not identified.
For men, a significantly lower 4.5 per cent of assaults were perpetrated by a partner or
boyfriend/girlfriend, 4.9 per cent by another family member, 4.7 per cent by an ex-partner or
ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, 34.9 per cent by a non-family member and 50.9 per cent by someone
unknown to them or not identified.
87
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012, General Social Survey, States and Territories 2010 (Tasmania), Catalogue 4159.0.55.003,
Data Cubes, Table 3.1 and Table 4.1, March 2012, ABS, Canberra.
88
Unpublished data supplied by Tasmania Police for the 2011 – 12 financial year.
89
Ibid.
90
Ibid.
54
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 5.1 Comparison of perpetrators of assault on females and males, Tasmania, 2011–12
financial year
Source: Unpublished data supplied by Tasmania Police.
In 2011-12, there were 126 reported victims of sexual assault in Tasmania. Of these, the
majority (86 per cent) were women.91
Domestic and family violence
The following figures should be used with caution due to the high number of victims who do
not have an Indigenous status recorded.
For the purposes of this data ‘Indigenous status’ includes people who identify themselves as
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
From 2012-13, 2 041 victims of family violence were recorded by the Department of Police
and Emergency Management. Of these victims, 1 771 (86.6 per cent) were female.
From 2012-13, 56.5 per cent of all victims of family violence recorded as non-Indigenous were
female.
From 2012-13, 4.9 per cent of all victims of family violence were recorded as being Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Of these victims over 80 per cent were female.
91
Tasmanian Government, Department of Police and Emergency Management, Annual Report 2011 – 2012, p31.
55
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Table 5.1 Victims of family violence by Indigenous status and sex, 2010 to 2013
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
Number
Female victims recorded as Aboriginal OR Torres Strait Islander
101
134
84
Male victims recorded as Aboriginal OR Torres Strait Islander
27
19
16
Females recorded as non-indigenous
1 767
1 534
1 154
Males recorded as non-indigenous
294
228
173
Total number of females recorded on Family Violence System
2 312
2 138
1 771
Total number of victims for year
2 701
2 477
2 041
Percentage
% of all victims recorded as female and Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander origin
3.7%
5.4%
4.1%
% of all victims recorded as male and Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander origin
1.0%
0.8%
0.8%
% of all victims recorded as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
origin
4.7%
6.2%
4.9%
% of all victims recorded as non-indigenous
76.3%
71.1%
65.0%
% of all victims recorded as non-indigenous and female
65.4%
61.9%
56.5%
% of all victims recorded as non-indigenous and male
10.9%
9.2%
8.5%
% of all victims where indigenous status has not been recorded
19.0%
22.7%
30.0%
Data source: Unpublished data supplied by Tasmania Police (Family Violence System) created 7 October 2013.
Crime and incarceration
From 2011 to 2012 there were 13 164 offenders in Tasmania. Of these, there were 9 998
(75.9 per cent) male offenders compared to 3 166 (24.1 per cent) female offenders.92
In Tasmania as at March 2013, there were 458 persons in full-time custody, 421 (91.9 per cent)
of them were male and 37 (8.1 per cent) were female. Women were more likely to have
community based correction orders than full-time prison sentences. In March 2013 there were
1 977 persons in community based corrections, 1 543 (78 per cent) were male and 434
92
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Recorded Crime – Offenders, 2011-12, Catalogue 4519, Data Cubes, Table 4, ABS, February
2013, Canberra.
56
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
(22 per cent) were female. Imprisonment rates (rate per 100 000 persons) were 215.4 for men
and 18.6 for women.93
Discrimination
The Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 prohibits discrimination and other unlawful conduct on the
basis of particular characteristics including race, age, disability and gender. The data below was
provided by the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner (OADC). Among other
functions, the OADC is responsible for investigating and attempting to resolve complaints of
discrimination and related unlawful conduct under the Act.
In 2012-13, 30 per cent of complaints made to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner alleged
discrimination on the basis of one or more gender-related attributes or personal characteristics
(gender, family responsibilities, parental status, breastfeeding, pregnancy and/or marital status).
Complainants may identify one or more attribute as the basis on which they believe they have
been treated unfairly.
Table 5.2 Complaints of discrimination by gender-related attribute
Attribute
identified
2011-12 (count)
% of complaints
2012-13 (count)
Total complaints
133
159
Total complaints
alleging
discrimination
127
154
% of complaints
Gender
18
13.5
28
17.6
Family
responsibilities
20
15.0
17
10.7
Parental status
11
8.3
14
8.8
Pregnancy
4
3.0
5
3.1
Marital status
8
6.0
2
1.3
Breastfeeding
0
0.0
0
0.0
40
30 %
47
30%
Total complaints
alleging
discrimination on
one or more of
these grounds
93
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Corrective Services, Australia, March Quarter 2013, Catalogue 4512.0,, Data Cubes, Tables 4,
5, and 18, June 2014, ABS, Canberra.
57
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 5.2 Number of complaints of discrimination by gender-related attribute
30
25
20
Gender
15
Family responsibilities
Parental status
10
Pregnancy
Marital status
5
Breastfeeding
0
2011-12
2012-13
Sexual harassment
In 2012-13, 6.3 per cent of complaints made to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner alleged
sexual harassment.
Table 5.3 Complaints of sexual harassment, 2005-06 to 2012-13
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
Total
complaints
111
115
117
128
114
159
133
159
Complaints
alleging
sexual
harassment
2
13
21
6
17
16
12
10
Alleged in
% of
complaints
1.8
11.3
17.9
4.7
14.9
10.1
9.0
6.3
58
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 5.3 Number of complaints of sexual harassment, 2005-06 to 2012-13
180
160
140
120
100
80
Total complaints
60
Complaints alleging sexual
harassment
40
20
0
Offensive conduct
In 2012-13, 27 per cent of all complaints identified behaviour that offended, humiliated,
ridiculed, intimidated and/or insulted the complainant on the basis of gender, family
responsibilities, parental status, pregnancy, marital status and/or breastfeeding.
Table 5.4 Gender-based offensive conduct complaints
Attribute identified
Total complaints
2011-12
Alleged in % of
complaints
133
2012-13
Alleged in % of
complaints
159
Gender
23
17.3
28
17.6
Family
responsibilities
16
12.0
13
8.2
Parental status
8
6.0
11
6.9
Pregnancy
4
3.0
4
2.5
Marital status
4
3.0
3
1.9
Breastfeeding
0
0.0
0
0.0
Total no. of
complaints in
which one or
more genderbased attribute
identified
39
43
% of all complaints
29
27
59
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 5.4 Number of gender-based offensive conduct complaints
30
25
20
Gender
15
Family responsibilities
Parental status
10
Pregnancy
5
Marital status
0
2011-12
2012-13
Female complainants
In 2012-13, the number of female complainants was significantly lower than the number of
complainants who were male. In 2012-13, 37.5 per cent of individual complainants were female.
Table 5.5 Female complainants, 2010-2013
Year
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
Total complaints
159
133
159
Number of individual
complainants
178
142
168
Female complainants
91
52
63
Male complainants
87
90
105
51.1
36.6
37.5
% of female
complainants
60
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 5.5 Female complainants, 2010-2013
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Number of
individual
complainants
Male
complainants
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
Respondent organisation type
Respondent organisations identified by complainants alleging unfair treatment on the basis of
one or more gender-related attributes were predominantly from the private sector, state
government organisations and non-profit organisations.
In 2011-12, 41.6 per cent of gender-related complaints identified a private sector organisation
as the respondent; 39.2 per cent identified a state government organisation; and 17.6 per cent a
non-profit organisation. In 2012-13, the percentage of gender-based complaints identifying a
private sector organisation as the respondent decreased to 35.7 per cent; and for state
government organisations 25 per cent; however the proportion of gender-related complaints in
the non-profit sector increased significantly to 33.6 per cent. Complainants may nominate one
or more organisation type(s) as the respondent to a complaint.
Table 5.6 Respondent organisation type in 2012-13
Organisation
type by
Attribute
Australian
Government
Local
Government
Non-profit
5
10
21
8
10
9
9
10
9
4
Pregnancy
4
5
Marital status
2
1
2
Gender
Family
responsibilities
Parental status
2
Private
Enterprise
State
Government
Total
respondent
organisation
identified
2
5
36
45
23
% in 2012-13
1.4
4.3
33.6
35.7
25.0
61
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 5.6 Respondent organisations identified in gender-related complaints, 2012-13
40.0%
35.0%
30.0%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
Commonwealth
Government
Local
Government
Non-profit
Private
Enterprise
State
Government
0.0%
Industry sector
In the period 2012-13, the industry sector most highly represented in complaints alleging unfair
treatment on the basis of one or more gender-related attribute was the health and community
services sector (31); followed by government administration (17); accommodation, cafes and
restaurants (15); and education (11).
62
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Table 5.7 Gender-related complaints by respondent industry sector, 2012-13
Attribute and
industry sector
Gender
Family
responsibilities
Parental
status
Pregnancy Marital
status
Total
2012-13
Accommodation
Cafes and
Restaurants
3
3
6
3
–
15
Agriculture,
Forestry and
Fishing
2
1
1
–
1
5
Communication
Services
–
–
–
–
–
0
Cultural and
recreational
services
2
4
2
–
–
8
Education
2
5
2
2
–
11
Electricity, gas and
water supply
2
–
–
–
–
2
Finance and
Insurance
–
4
4
–
–
8
Government
Administration
7
4
4
–
2
17
Health and
Community
Services
12
7
6
4
2
31
Manufacturing
2
–
–
–
–
2
Mining
–
–
–
–
–
0
Personal and other
services
5
–
–
–
–
5
Property and
business services
–
–
–
–
–
0
Transport and
storage
1
–
–
–
–
1
Retail trade
6
–
–
–
–
6
63
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 5.7 Number of industry sector(s) identified in gender-related complaints, 2012-13
35
30
Accommodation, cafes and
restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
25
Cultural and recreational
services
Education
20
15
Electricity, gas and water supply
Finance and insurance
10
Government administration
5
Health and community services
0
Total 2012-13
Area of activity
The Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 prohibits discrimination and other unlawful conduct in a
range of situations including employment; education and training; the provision of facilities,
goods and services; accommodation; membership and activities of clubs; the administration of
Tasmanian laws and Tasmanian Government programs; and in awards, enterprise agreements or
industrial agreements made under Tasmanian industrial law.
In 2011-12 and 2012-13, the predominant area of activity identified in gender-related
complaints was employment (20 per cent in 2011-12 and 18 per cent in 2012-13) and activities
associated with the provision of facilities, goods and services (15 per cent in 2011-12 and
13 per cent in 2012-13). Complainants may identify one or more area of activity in relation to
their complaint.
64
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Figure 5.8 Area of activity of gender-related complaints, 2011-12
30
25
Accommodation
20
15
10
5
Administration of any
law of the State
Awards, enterprises and
industrial agreements
Education and training
Employment
Membership and activity
of clubs
Provision of facilities,
goods and services
0
Figure 5.9 Area of activity of gender-related complaints, 2012-13
35
30
25
Accommodation
15
Administration of any
law of the State
Awards, enterprises and
industrial agreements
Education and training
10
Employment
20
5
0
Membership and activity
of clubs
Provision of facilities,
goods and services
Please see Appendix 1 for Gender-related complaint by attribute and areas of activity – Sum of
Count table.
65
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
In summary94
94

While 82 per cent of women felt safe at home after dark, only 37.3 per cent felt safe
walking alone in their local area after dark.

Almost 50 per cent of reported victims of assault were female, most were between 20
and 44 years of age.

The highest proportion (31.5 per cent) of assaults against females were perpetrated by
the victim’s partner.

86 per cent of reported victims of sexual assault were female.

Females accounted for 24.1 per cent of offenders in Tasmania, and 8.1 per cent of the
458 Tasmanians in full-time custody were females.

Of all complaints made to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner during 2012-13 on the
basis of one or more gender-related attributes:
-
30 per cent alleged discrimination
-
6.3 per cent alleged sexual harassment
-
27 per cent identified behaviour that offended, humiliated, ridiculed, intimidated
and/or insulted the complainant
-
the predominant area of activity identified was employment (18 per cent) and
the provision of facilities, goods and services (13 per cent).
Refer to chapter contents for source details.
66
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
6. LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY
PARTICIPATION
Community participation and leadership empower women and girls, giving them a voice
and the ability to influence decisions that affect them. It connects women and girls with
resources and opportunities in their communities.
Government
This section contains figures correct at time of publishing reflecting the present political
composition.
Parliament of Australia
House of Representatives
In May 2014, there were 150 members in the House of Representatives, 40 (26.6 per cent)
were female and 110 (73.3 per cent) were male. Of the five Tasmanian members, four were
male and one was female.95
Senate
In May 2014, there were 76 members of the Senate; 31 (40.8 per cent) were female and 45
(59.21 per cent) were male. Of the 12 Tasmanian senators seven (58.3 per cent) were female
and five (41.7 per cent) were male.
Parliament of Tasmania
Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet
As at May 2014, there were nine members of the Cabinet, two of whom were female
(22.2 per cent). There were seven Labor Shadow Cabinet members, four of whom were
female (57.1 per cent). There were three Tasmanian Greens Shadow Cabinet members, one of
whom was female (33.3 per cent).96
House of Assembly
Within Tasmania’s House of Assembly, as at May 2014, there were 25 members, nine
(36 per cent) were female and 16 (64 per cent) were male.97
Legislative Council
Within the Tasmanian Legislative Council, as at May 2014, there were 15 members; six
(40 per cent) were female while nine (60 per cent) were male.98
95
Accessed at http://www.aph.gov.au 26 May 2014.
Accessed at http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ 26 May 2014.
97
Ibid.
98
Ibid.
96
67
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Tasmanian State Service
At June 2013, there were 27 938 employees in the State Service, 19 477 (69.7 per cent) were
female and 8 461 (30.3 per cent) were male.99
Although there were a higher percentage of women in the public service overall, Table 6.1
shows that there were differences in employee gender ratios between State Service agencies
and authorities.
Of the State Service agencies the Department of Education had the highest percentage of
female employees of all agencies (75.5 per cent), followed by the Department of Health and
Human Services (65.6 per cent).
Table 6.1 Paid headcount by gender (State Service agencies and authorities), June 2013
Agency
Male
Female
% Female
Department of Economic Development,
Tourism and the Arts
175
265
60.2
2 755
8 475
75.5
Department of Health and Human
Services
691
1 317
65.6
Department of Infrastructure, Energy
and Resources
308
264
46.2
Department of Justice
560
589
51.3
Department of Police and Emergency
Management
517
296
36.4
Department of Premier and Cabinet
148
189
56.1
Department of Primary Industries, Parks,
Water and Environment
780
667
46.1
Department of Treasury and Finance
138
163
54.2
Tasmanian Audit Office
29
16
35.6
Integrity Commission
4
11
73.3
Macquarie Point Development
Corporation
1
3
75.0
Port Arthur Historic Site Management
Authority
53
59
52.7
Tasmanian Health Organisation - North
584
2 215
79.1
Tasmanian Health Organisation – North
320
1 256
79.7
Department of Education
99
Department of Premier and Cabinet, Tasmanian State Service Annual Report 2012-2013, Table 8/2, Hobart, Tasmania.
68
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
West
Tasmanian Health Organisation - South
1 208
3 534
74.5
Tasmanian Skills Institute
177
112
38.8
The Public Trustee
13
46
78.0
8 461
19 477
69.7
Total
Data source: Department of Premier and Cabinet, Tasmanian State Service Annual Report 2012-2013, Table 8/2, Hobart,
Tasmania.
Tasmanian State Service Senior Executives and Heads of Agency
In 2013, women accounted for 17.6 per cent of Heads of Agency (including State Service
authorities) and 27.9 per cent of Senior Executives.100
Employees at Band 8 classification and above
Band 8 classifications in the Tasmanian State Service Award cover a range of senior
management and leadership positions.
As at 31 March 2013, 667 (40.35 per cent) of employees classified at Band 8 and above were
women and 986 (59.65 per cent) were men.101
Employees at Band 7 classification and above
Band 7 classifications in the Tasmanian State Service Award can also include senior management
activities, and in turn require the person to demonstrate leadership skills and potential for senior
leadership roles and activities.
As at 31 March 2013, 41.81 per cent of employees classified at Band 7 and above in the
Tasmanian State Service were female and 58.19 per cent were male. The Department of
Education was the only agency with a higher female-to-male ratio, with females accounting for
58 per cent of its employees.102
Judiciary
In 2013, there were six Supreme Court judges in Tasmania, two (33.3 per cent) females and
four (66.7 per cent) males.103
In 2013, there were 14 magistrates working in the Magistrates Court in Tasmania; three
(21.4 per cent) females and 11 (78.6 per cent) males.104
Government boards
In 2013, the representation of women on government boards in Tasmania was 35 per cent.
Table 6.3 shows that percentages of females on government boards varied across states and
territories.
100
Office of the State Service Commissioner, State Service Commissioner Annual Report 2008-2009 and 2011-2012, Hobart,
Tasmania.
101
State Service Management Office, Hobart, Tasmania, 2013, unpublished.
102
Ibid.
103
Accessed at www.supremecourt.tas.gov.au/about_us/judges/current_judges, December 2013.
104
Accessed at www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/about_us/magistrates, December 2013.
69
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Table 6.3 Government board members by state and territory
Jurisdiction
Percentage of
Women on
Government
Boards (%)
ACT
47
South Australia
47
Victoria
32
Queensland
37
New South Wales
38
Tasmania
35
Australian Government
42
Northern Territory
34
Western Australia
35
Note: All figures refer to the years 2012-2013 except for those from Western Australia and Queensland. Both of these figures refer to 2011
and are the latest published data
Data source: Department of Premier and Cabinet (Tasmania), unpublished data
Board membership of sporting organisations
The Women on Boards network, a company formed to improve gender balance on Australian
boards, publishes annual survey results into female national sporting organisation board
representation. In 2013, a survey of 55 national sporting organisation boards revealed that:

24.4 per cent of all board members were female

9 per cent of organisations had no female members on their boards

9 per cent of boards had a female chairperson or president.105
In 2014, Sport and Recreation Tasmania within the Tasmanian Government’s Department of
Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts sampled 33 state sporting organisations,
revealing that:
105
106

36.1 per cent of all board members were female

12.9 per cent of organisations had no female members on their boards

22.6 per cent of boards had a female chairperson or president.106
Women on Boards, Boardroom Diversity Index, www.womenonboards.org.au/pubs/bdi/2013/nso.htm
Unpublished data supplied by the Tasmanian Government’s Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts.
70
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Local government
From the point-in-time snapshot tabled below, in 2014 Tasmania had 29.8 percent female
counsellor representation in local government. The average percentage for Australia was
30.4 per cent female councillors.
The national figure was 28.4 per cent in 2009, although Queensland and the NT had a
decreased percentage of women elected in more recent elections compared to 2009.107
In the Australian Capital Territory, the responsibilities usually managed by local government are
administered by a department of the territory government.
Table 6.4 Percentage of female local government counsellors in Australian states/territories
State/Territory
Female Councillors
(%)
Female Councillors Year of election
(number)
TAS
29.8
81
2011
NSW
27
388
2012
VIC
34
215
2012
QLD
29.5
148
2013
SA
27.2
193
2010
WA
29.7
358
2013
NT
33.3
53
2012
Honours
In 2012, 1 220 men and 459 women were considered for an Order of Australia General
Division award. Appointments are made on Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday public
holiday each year. There are two divisions of the Order of Australia, the General (or Civil)
Division and the Military Division. Each Division has the following levels:

Companion of the Order (AC)

Officer of the Order (AO)

Member of the Order (AM)

Medal of the Order (OAM)
Of those nominated, 682 men and 297 women received an award.108
107
Unpublished data supplied by the Local Government Association of Queensland, 5050 Vision Councils for Gender Equity
Program
108
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Gender Indicators Australia (Order of Australia Awards), Catalogue 4125.0, ABS, Canberra
71
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
There were 23 Tasmanian recipients in the above award categories in 2012. Eight awards went
to women and 15 went to men.109
Voluntary work
In 2011, 78 248 people reported having undertaken
voluntary work in Tasmania within the twelve months
prior to the Census. Of these, 43 338 (55.4 per cent)
were female and 34 910 (44.6 per cent) were male.
Table 6.4 shows that, while the number of people
participating in voluntary work varied according to age for
both men and women, there were higher percentages of
females across all age groups.110
Table 6.4 Voluntary work by age and sex in Tasmania
2011
Age
Male
Female
% Female
15-19 years
2 300
2 767
54.6
20-24 years
2 028
2 396
54.2
25-34 years
3 769
5 019
57.1
35-44 years
5 667
8 021
58.6
45-54 years
7 051
8 410
54.4
55-64 years
7 052
8 397
54.4
65-74 years
5 069
5 783
53.3
75-84 years
1 737
2 166
55.5
237
379
61.5
85 years and over
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania),
Catalogue 2001.6, Table B19, ABS, Canberra
In summary111

In 2014 women comprised 22.2 per cent of the Tasmanian Cabinet, and 29.8 per cent
of local government councillors.

In 2013 women comprised 35 per cent of government board appointments.

In 2013 69.7 per cent of Tasmania’s State Service employees were female, and females
accounted for 17.6 per cent of Heads of Agency and 27.9 per cent of Senior Executives.
109
Australian Government, It’s An Honour – Australia Celebrating Australians,
www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search
110
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile (Tasmania), Catalogue
2001.6, Table B19, ABS, Canberra
111
Refer to chapter contents for source details.
72
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT

In 2013, two of Tasmania’s six Supreme Court Judges were female.

The last Census showed women were more likely than males to participate in voluntary
work.
73
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Appendix 1 Overview of gender-related complaints by attribute and area of activity: Sum of count
Attribute
Area of Activity
2011-12
%
2012-13
%
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
Accommodation
3
2.0
3
2.0
Administration of any law of the State
3
2.0
1
1.0
Awards, enterprise and industrial
2
2.0
1
1.0
Education and training
6
5.0
3
2.0
Employment
10
8.0
7
4.0
Membership and activities of clubs
2
2.0
–
–
Provision of facilities, goods and services
9
7.0
9
6.0
21
16.0
34
21.0
Accommodation
3
2.0
6
4.0
Administration of any law of the State
3
2.0
2
1.0
Awards, enterprise and industrial
–
–
1
1.0
Education and training
2
2.0
1
1.0
Employment
14
11.0
22
14.0
Membership and activities of clubs
–
0.0
1
1.0
Provision of facilities, goods and services
13
10.0
12
8.0
26
20.0
75
47.0
Accommodation
2
2.0
–
–
Administration of any law of the State
2
2.0
–
–
Awards, enterprise and industrial
–
–
–
–
Education and training
1
1.0
–
–
Employment
4
3.0
2
1.0
Provision of facilities, goods and services
5
4.0
2
1.0
9
7.0
5
3.0
2
2.0
1
1.0
* Total complaints identifying breach(es) based on family responsibilities
GENDER
*Total complaints identifying breach(es) based on gender
MARITAL STATUS
*Total complaints identifying breach(es) based on marital status
PARENTAL STATUS
Accommodation
74
WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT
Administration of any law of the State
2
2.0
–
–
Awards, enterprise and industrial
1
1.0
–
–
Education and training
3
2.0
1
1.0
Employment
5
4.0
6
4.0
Membership and activities of clubs
1
1.0
–
–
Provision of facilities, goods and services
7
5.0
7
4.0
11
8.0
26
16.0
Accommodation
–
–
–
–
Administration of any law of the State
2
2.0
–
–
Awards, enterprise and industrial
2
2.0
–
–
Education and training
1
1.0
–
–
Employment
4
3.0
9
6.0
Provision of facilities, goods and services
1
1.0
–
–
*Total complaints identifying breach(es) based on pregnancy
4
3.0
9
6.0
*TOTAL COMPLAINTS
133
Complaints alleging breach re one or more in accommodation
6
5.0
8
5.0
Complaints alleging breach re one or more in the administration of any law of
the State
6
5.0
2
1.0
Complaints alleging breach re one or more in awards, enterprise and industrial
3
2.0
1
1.0
Complaints alleging breach re one or more in education and training
6
5.0
4
3.0
Complaints alleging breach re one or more in employment
26
20.0
29
18.0
Complaints alleging breach re one or more in membership and activity of clubs
2
2.0
1
1.0
Complaints alleging breach re one or more in the provision of facilities, goods
and services
20
15.0
21
13.0
*Total complaints identifying breach(es) based on parental status
PREGNANCY
159
* Complainants may identify one or more area of activity in relation to their complaint.
75
GPO BOX 123 HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6232 7133 Fax: 03 6233 9421
Email: [email protected] Visit: www.dpac.tas.gov.au