Fresh Perspectives - Accelerating progress to gender equality with Cath Bowtell

From occupational segregation and unequal pay to caring responsibilities, workforce participation and underutilised skills, the design of work continues to shape women’s long-term financial outcomes and retirement security.

As part of the 2026 Women in Super National Road Show, Cath Bowtell, Chair of the Jobs and Skills Australia Ministerial Advisory Board, will lead a timely conversation exploring the systems and structures shaping women’s experience of the labour market, economic equality and the future of work in Australia.

Grounded in nationally significant research and labour market insights, the National Road Show will examine why many inequalities persist despite decades of progress, what this means for Australia’s future workforce and economy, and where meaningful reform and accountability must occur. Inclusion is increasingly being recognised as an economic imperative – not simply a social aspiration.

This year’s National Road Show presents an opportunity for Women in Super to continue leading an important national conversation – one informed by evidence, shaped by lived experience and focused on creating a more equitable economic future for women.

Cath Bowtell

Cath Bowtell is the Chair of the Federal Government’s Jobs & Skills Ministerial Advisory Board. She is a Director of Industry Fund Services (IFS) and of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation. Cath has worked for many years in senior roles in both the superannuation industry and union movement. She was the Chief Executive of IFS and Chief Executive of the Australian Government Employees Superannuation Trust (AGEST) from 2010 until its merger with AustralianSuper in 2013. Prior to this, Cath was a Senior Industrial Officer at the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). She has held a number of directorships and committee positions throughout her career, including Director of AustralianSuper, Director of AGEST Super and Director of Ausgrid.

*Please note: Dietary requirements may not be catered for if communicated after Friday 7 August*